As part of National Apprenticeship Week taking place from 9 to 15 February, we’re highlighting our DVLA apprentices and celebrating their successes.
To provide a deeper understanding of the apprenticeship journey within DVLA’s Information Technology Services (ITS), we interviewed Jac Cromwell, a current apprentice Software Engineer. Jac shared his personal experiences and reflections on his apprenticeship. Alongside him, Nicola Quinn, his line manager and Agile Delivery Manager, offered valuable insights into her role in supporting and managing apprentices at DVLA.
Jac, what were you doing before you started your apprenticeship?
Jac: Before I started the apprenticeship, I was in sixth form studying Maths, IT and Product Design. I initially considered going to Swansea University. I went to their open day, ended up applying and got an offer to study Software Engineering. However, when I saw this apprenticeship advertised with a paid-for Level 6 Degree and on-the-job learning, I thought it was a no-brainer.
Nicola, what do you find most rewarding about supporting apprentices as a line manager?
Nicola: All of it – being part of their journey, I get to see them learn and grow, you are there with them through the highs and lows, helping them overcome challenges, and there’s no better feeling than seeing one of your team do well and achieve their goals.
Jac, can you walk us through a typical day in your role?
Jac: I work like everyone else on squad – I’ll get assigned a ticket at the start of Sprint review, and if I finish it early I’ll pick up another. Nicola usually gives out tickets in areas people aren’t the most familiar with which helps us learn and grow. We manage 8 Utilities so it’s hard to be perfect at every one, but these days I typically work on all of them. I’m most competent on Print Hub, our Java Spring Boot Utility, and Contact App which is the app commonly used to contact DVLA.
Nicola, how have you seen Jac develop since he joined your team?
Nicola: Jac joined DVLA straight from college with limited technical experience, yet his growth over the past fifteen months has been exceptional. He has delivered key technical features that underpin DVLA’s core services, demonstrating maturity, commitment, and a hunger to learn.
Jac has set an exceptional example as an apprentice — hard-working, resilient, and committed to excellence. Joining a full-stack development squad with multiple languages and frameworks was daunting, yet he quickly adapted. Within four months, he was confidently delivering challenging stories within sprint deadlines. By eight months, he was working independently, troubleshooting complex issues, and adding significant value to the team. Fifteen months in, Jac has secured a permanent HEO Software Engineer role at DVLA.
What support structures are in place to ensure apprentices get what they need to succeed?
Nicola: Our Capability and Talent team provide support and meet regularly with apprentices after they land on squad. On a squad level, I paired Jac with a mentor, Nathan, who is a senior developer and previous MSc student. I also encourage pair programming, knowledge sharing sessions and masterclasses, all of which provide vital knowledge, support, and team collaboration.
We have monthly 1-2-1s to discuss Jac’s performance, current skill level, and any skill gaps identified. We pinpoint areas where he feels he needs more practical experience and discuss how to keep his development and progression on track.
Jac: The help from the team has been invaluable, especially at the start. During my induction bootcamp, Nicola introduced me to the squad and set up sessions to help me get what I’d need before I even landed.
Having Nathan as a mentor meant that I had someone who’d come through a similar development route and knew exactly how to guide me. I can call anyone on squad for help and I know they’d drop what they’re doing to help me. They’ve made me feel welcome and supported and always put others before themselves.
Nicola, how do you balance challenging your apprentices whilst providing them with appropriate support?
Nicola: It’s a team effort. Ensuring that Jac is stretched and taken out of his comfort zone only works with the whole squad’s buy-in. I’m extremely fortunate that my team values the importance of upskilling, developing and nurturing talent. We put our apprentices through their paces and encourage them to work hard. We have developed some very successful apprentices as a result.
Jac, how do you balance work with learning?
Jac: DVLA gives me the time to attend University every Thursday. Nicola also gives me time to make sure all my University work is completed by deadlines. I like to get my assignments handed in early, so I get small bits done on weekends and after work which accumulates and allows me to hand things in stress-free before deadlines.
Nicola, what qualities or attitudes do you look for in potential apprentices?
Nicola: For me, technical capability is not the most important factor as this is something that can be taught. What can’t be taught is the right attitude. I’m looking for hunger and passion, people that want to do well and are willing to work hard to get it, being brave and not having all the answers but willing to learn.
Jac, what has been your biggest achievement so far on your apprenticeship?
Jac: I’d say applying for the Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Software Engineer role. We knew it would be a leap going for it and that I’d have to grow into the role, but I gave it a shot and it paid off. I’ve now been promoted to a permanent HEO role and my university course funding is secured. Nicola really encouraged and championed me into going for it. Yes, I put in a lot of hours of learning, but like they say, you get out what you put in.
Nicola, what future opportunities exist for apprentices who complete the programme?
Nicola: For those undertaking an apprenticeship in software development there are plenty of opportunities and quite a few career paths to choose from, from Software Engineer to Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to working in the Emerging Tech Lab. There is also progression in these roles from Junior up to Senior and Lead Engineer, so it’s a great opportunity.
Jac, what are you most looking forward to next in your apprenticeship journey?
Jac: I really look forward to growing into my role and just becoming a more competent Software Engineer. I also look forward to completing the University Degree, because I’ll get a day back to allocate to DVLA work, which I love doing as I believe I learn leaps and bounds more doing on-the-job work compared to the theory in University.
What advice would you give someone who is unsure about applying for an apprenticeship?
Jac: I’d say if you’re unhappy in the job you’re doing, or you’re a young person looking to start your career, go for it. Even if you end up finding out it’s not for you, doing something to improve is better than doing nothing. I think it’s especially beneficial for people who are unsure of their passion or what they want to do as a career in life, because a lot of people end up racking up debt at a University doing a degree they were uncertain of in the first place. There’s honestly very little downside to doing an apprenticeship.
Nicola: Do it – apprenticeships provide the best of both worlds, where you earn and learn! Apprenticeships are hard work but can be the most rewarding. Choose a path that you are passionate about, where you get to do something you enjoy and get paid to do it.
Jac and Nicola’s experiences highlight the value of apprenticeships at DVLA. From joining straight out of college to securing a permanent HEO role in just fifteen months, Jac’s journey demonstrates what’s possible when motivation meets the right support. With a dedicated team, structured mentoring, and the opportunity to earn while working towards a degree, DVLA apprenticeships offer a genuine alternative to the traditional university route. If you’re considering your next step, whether you’re leaving education or looking for a career change, an apprenticeship could be the pathway to a rewarding future in technology.
If you’re interested in an apprenticeship at DVLA, sign up to Civil Service Jobs for all the latest opportunities. You can also learn more about digital careers at DVLA.
