Josh Mitchell’s journey into software development is a story of determination and ambition. After working in a bar, he made the bold decision to change careers, returning to education to complete a Level 3 qualification before securing a degree apprenticeship with Babcock International. Now studying Digital and Technology Solutions at University Centre Weston, his dedication to learning and passion for computing have made him a standout student and an inspiration to others looking to pursue a fresh start.
Josh chose UCW for the opportunity to earn a degree while gaining hands-on industry experience, as he explains, “An apprenticeship is the best way to move forward with your career goals. You work within the industry while learning the fundamentals at university.” The combination of academic study and professional work has allowed him to apply what he learns in the classroom directly to real-world projects. His collaborative approach to learning has also made a strong impact, as he actively supports fellow apprentices and contributes to discussions.
One of Josh’s standout experiences at UCW has been working on his final-year team project, where he enjoyed seeing how different people approach software development. “When writing software, it’s always good to see how others tackle problems – it gives you new insights into solving challenges effectively and efficiently”, he says. His ability to work well with his peers and share knowledge has been a key factor in his success.
Josh credits UCW’s lecturers for their engaging teaching style and support, particularly in helping him navigate written communication as a student with dyslexia. “I always felt supported by my lecturers – they broke down assignment tasks in a way that made sense to me”, he says. Access to online resources such as Plesk also allowed him to develop his database management skills, enhancing both his university and personal projects.
Being shortlisted for a UCW award came as a surprise to Josh, but he takes pride in knowing he has always given his best effort. “I never minded what grade I got as long as I knew there was nothing more I could have done to improve”, he reflects.
After graduation, Josh plans to continue his career at Babcock, transitioning into a role with more responsibility and tackling increasingly complex software applications. His long-term goal is to keep applying software solutions to real-world problems, continuously developing his skills in an ever-evolving industry.
If you want to follow in Josh’s footsteps, click here to find the Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship! Find all of our Computing and Digital courses here!
