Blog

Dear readers,
This will be my introductory blog post describing my experiences of the first week of training. 
I’m Joe, one of the new trainees at Antelle.
I have just finished sixth form where I studied Maths, Geography and Business Studies, and I am now beginning on the journey of becoming a Software Developer.

Ben and I have known each other previously, so on the first day it was less of an introduction more of a quick catch up between us, and then we were ready to go.

Ben and I walked into the office to be warmly greeted by Tony, who then introduced us to our colleagues for the future of our employment at Antelle, Sam and Andrew. 
Tony then issued each of us, Ben and myself "The Pragmatic Programmer", as homework to have read within the next few weeks, having read only a few chapters at the moment, I can see why reading it will be useful.

We were then tasked with creating a responsive email, and responsive newsletter template using HTML and CSS, and that was all the guidance we were given.

Using online resources to learn HTML and CSS at a relatively fast pace, with Sam, Andrew and Tony at our disposal through Skype if we had any questions that we could not find the answer to online.
First drafts of our email and newsletter templates fell to pieces, with Ben and me not even knowing what a responsive layout was, as time went on, our skills in HTML and CSS gradually built up, and our email and newsletters became much more fluid and attractive.
We came across problems, as we went on, but worked them out through time and perseverance.
For me personally, the positioning of elements using CSS was by far the most challenging aspect of the task, having to take the box model into account, along with floating of elements and using the clear property, although it’s all coming together now.

At the end of the week it was time for our code to be reviewed, a deadline of Friday 14:30 was given to us to have the code emailed to the office, and the review commenced at 15:15. Sam and Andrew had reviewed our code, and it was their opportunity to point out any flaws in our code, and the criticisms were definitely constructive.

The atmosphere in the office is very relaxed, or so it seems, it feels like a pleasant place to be, with people willing to help you in every room.

In conclusion, I'm looking forward to the challenges that the future brings, and am excited for next week.