Learning, growing and feeling valued as a developer

MHCLG Digital has launched early-career opportunities for 5 Junior Developers and 5 Associate Delivery Managers to join our teams in Manchester.

Mohsina, Developer, shares how support from colleagues has helped her build her skills and grow professionally since joining the department as a junior developer back in 2024.

Joining MHCLG Digital

I was hired by the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) through one of their in-person digital recruitment days in Manchester. I remember feeling very welcomed by the team from the moment I arrived for my interview. That feeling continued when I joined, especially during my onboarding. Everyone was very supportive and made me feel comfortable picking up work from the start.

Learning

As a junior developer, I was curious about everything and wanted to understand even the little things. I was always encouraged to ask questions. As my lead developer says, "there is no such thing as a stupid question".

I’d describe my work environment as a perfect, guilt-free platform to learn from senior developers. You get the space try new approaches, learn new techniques, ask questions and grow at your own pace.

I was able to pair with different developers in the team, so I got to see different ways of working and learned a lot from everyone. Over time, this made me more confident, and before long, I started picking up work more independently and suggesting ideas that could make a difference.

Growing

I feel lucky to have been part of the Delta team since I started working in MHCLG. Delta is the main internal platform the department uses to collect data and make payments, and one of the most critical internal services in the department.

What I enjoy most is that we are continually evolving the platform, building new features to meet user needs, and working with a modern and varied technology stack. Every day brings opportunities to learn something new and contribute to work that has a real impact.

The team mostly works with Java, PostgreSQL, AWS and MarkLogic (NoSQL database). I had never even heard of MarkLogic before joining the department, but over time I've developed the skills and confidence to work with it, contribute code and support the platform. Most recently, I was involved in a major server and database upgrade, which was a valuable learning experience.

The role has also given me exposure to DevOps practices and ways of working, which I find particularly exciting. Being able to work across different areas of the technology stack has helped me broaden my skills and gain a better understanding of how large-scale services are built and maintained.

Most importantly, every single member in the Delta team has helped me grow in some way, and help has always been available whenever I needed it.

Feeling heard

I think MHCLG is a perfect example of an inclusive Civil Service environment. We have people from different ethnicities, cultures and backgrounds, and everyone is welcomed and respected for who they are. I’ve always felt that people are given a chance to speak, and that their opinions genuinely matter. For me, that sense of being heard and included is one of the things I value most about working here.

A great place to build your career as a developer

I honestly can't ask for much more from what I've got from the department. This junior developer role opened a new door for me. It has given me the support and opportunities to learn, contribute and grow – and I’m still learning!

If you’re thinking about building your career in software development, I encourage you to take look at the current Junior Developer opportunities in Manchester. You can apply until 11 October.

Find out more about how you can build your career with us.

https://mhclgdigital.blog.gov.uk/2026/10/02/learning-growing-and-feeling-valued-as-a-developer/

seen at 10:33, 2 October in MHCLG Digital.