Starting a new career is always a leap — especially when you’re learning on the job. For Harrison, joining Elcap as a Software Development Apprentice has been exactly that: an opportunity to grow his technical skills while contributing to real projects from day one.
We caught up with him to talk about why he chose this path, what he’s learned so far, and what advice he’d give to anyone considering a software development apprenticeship.
Why Harrison Chose a Software Development Apprenticeship
“I’ve always been fascinated by how technology can make everyday life easier,” Harrison says. “I knew I wanted to build things that actually worked — not just in theory, but for real businesses.”
After exploring university routes, he realised an apprenticeship would let him earn, learn, and apply skills straight away. The combination of study and hands-on experience turned out to be the perfect fit.
“At Elcap, I’m not just learning — I’m building. Every day brings something new, whether that’s working on a client’s website or developing an internal tool to streamline a process.”
The Elcap Experience
Harrison joined the Elcap development team at a time of growth and innovation. He works alongside designers, marketers, and developers who help clients get the best out of HubSpot, CRM systems, and custom web development.
“The culture here is supportive but fast-paced,” he says. “People really trust you to take ownership. My mentor checks in regularly, but I’ve also got space to experiment and make mistakes — which is where most of the learning happens.”
He’s been involved in projects ranging from front-end tweaks to automation workflows, giving him exposure to both the technical and strategic sides of software development.
What He’s Learned So Far
The biggest surprise? How collaborative software development actually is.
“I thought coding would be quite solitary,” Harrison admits, “but here it’s all about communication. You’re constantly asking questions, sharing solutions, and learning from other people’s perspectives.”
Through his apprenticeship, Harrison has gained experience in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and API integrations, but also in client communication, time management, and project delivery — skills that make a developer valuable beyond code.
Challenges and Breakthroughs
Like any apprenticeship, the early days weren’t easy. “Imposter syndrome is real,” Harrison laughs. “You start by thinking you know nothing — then one day you fix something that used to take you hours, and it just clicks.”
He credits his mentor and teammates for helping him push through the tricky moments. “They don’t just tell you the answer; they help you figure out why something works, so you can solve problems independently next time.”
Looking Ahead
With each project, Harrison’s confidence continues to grow. He’s now contributing ideas to internal development discussions and starting to mentor newer team members on the basics of front-end work.
“The best thing about this apprenticeship is seeing how everything connects,” he says. “From a small code change to a full client rollout — you realise how the work you do every day actually helps people.”
Harrison plans to continue building on his experience with more complex integrations and back-end development, while completing his qualification. “It’s been the perfect balance of structure and freedom,” he adds. “You’re supported, but you’re also encouraged to figure things out for yourself.”
Advice for Future Apprentices
His advice to anyone considering a career in software development?
“Don’t wait until you feel ready — you learn by doing. Be curious, ask questions, and take the time to understand why something works, not just how.”
He also encourages others to look for a company that values growth as much as output. “At Elcap, I’ve been trusted to work on real projects from day one. That trust makes all the difference.”
Final Thoughts
Apprenticeships like Harrison’s show how practical experience can accelerate a tech career — especially when paired with a culture that champions learning. At Elcap, we’re proud to support the next generation of developers shaping what’s next in digital, CRM, and HubSpot-driven technology.
Thinking about a software development apprenticeship?
Curious about how Elcap supports emerging talent?
Get in touch — we’re always happy to chat about routes into tech, whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step.
Emily
Emily plans and manages the organic, paid and social media marketing for elcap's clients, as well as HubSpot implementations.
