Firebrand Training’s 2021 Tech Pro Role Models: The Tech Lover

Having dabbled in teaching and finance, he realised that software engineering was where his true passions lay. Reluctant to embark on a master’s degree which came with the burden of student debt, Shaddy opted for an apprenticeship in Software Development via Firebrand Training. 

Shaddy has found the scheme extremely rewarding developing his coding skills alongside his project and stakeholder management abilities.

We spoke with him to find out more...

So Shaddy, tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a Software Development Apprentice based in London. 

I've always been really interested in learning and using the latest technology so a career in tech seemed a perfect fit. I’ve always loved problem-solving so I studied Mathematics at university. 

In my free time, I love reading and discovering new kinds of Graphic Design and Industrial Design as well as listening to indie music and going to the gym.

How did you get into tech?

After graduating, I was still really unsure about what career I wanted to go into. I started out in teaching before switching to finance but I was still curious about programming so I practiced that for several months. 

Once I got the feeling that software development and engineering could be a great fit for me, I debated taking a master’s degree in Computer Science or a Graduate Scheme in Software Development. 

But they both had drawbacks - the master’s programme risked significant student debt and most graduate schemes required a degree related to programming. 

In addition, Junior Software Development roles are incredibly hard to get into without experience in professional programming. 

I realised that an Apprenticeship in Software Development would allow me to pick up the skills I needed without any debt worries plus it provided an actual salary.

What do you do in your current role?

As software development tends to be a holistic profession, the role involves a lot more than just coding. It requires a significant amount of work regarding resource management, coordinating projects and dealing with stakeholders. 

It’s a challenging but very rewarding job.

How has a Firebrand Training certification helped you in your career progression?

It has allowed me to train, study and take professional qualifications in software languages and cloud services that are recognised by most businesses as high quality and desirable.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you were starting out in tech?

I would have told myself to stick with my initial gut feeling that tech was something I could choose as a profession instead of spending years exploring other pathways. I should have just started my journey in tech from day one. 

Another piece of advice would be to have the confidence that you can do whatever you put your mind to. In the past, I would have thought that I wasn’t the right type of person to be successful in this sector but in reality, I’m the perfect fit.