Test Analyst Review

I am a tester for the Barclays Mobile Banking application. This includes running test scripts, then passing them or raising a defect to outline the issue. I need to communicate with Defect Managers, developers and Test Leads to fulfill my role. In order to do manual testing, I need to get a device set up with the test internet connection, as well as selecting correct data for the test.

Definitely. I had no previous experience with testing, aside from testing the Python code I wrote during my GCSEs. I have learned about multiple business processes that are used in tech companies, and the way that businesses are leaning toward automation. I have also obviously also learned how to test and raise defects, as well as some Java programming.

I have had a hard time getting used to the environment, and this is made especially hard by the fact that this is my first job. I struggle to find a lot of pride in the work I do, as I rarely see the effect of it. The people are nice though.

The support apprentices get from the HR team is huge. We have a plan laid out for us from the start, with a number of goals set both generally and personally. These can be a bit too much sometimes, as they don't always appear useful. The career path set out is very clear and looks good.

I receive a lot of help from Barclays, mainly through HR. HR have regular meetings with us to catch up and make sure we are doing well, as well as goals that are set for all of the apprentices. Due to how busy my team and manager are, I have to go out of my way to ask for help sometimes.

QA have been brilliant in the time I've spent with them so far. Our tutor has been amazing, teaching us clearly and with humor. I feel I have learned a lot through it already, and the support of our 'Skills Coach' keeps me on track with my reports and work.

Although I am learning a lot through my training, it doesn't yet directly effect my job role. I am working towards a role that would use it more however, so hopefully it won't be too long before it applies more. It will be a while before the theory I have learnt will be put into practice

There are a lot of opportunities for extra-curricular activities to get involved in at my work. I play football after work with some colleagues, which is good fun and helps me to get to know and have more confidence with those I work with. There is also a gym onsite.

Yes

The site is amazing, and includes things such as a gym, a shop, a great canteen, and football pitches. The program is very well structured, and shows a clear path of development. The work itself is okay, but I don't really have anything too compare it to (coming straight from school), and the training has been brilliant so far.

The course is great, the sites are great, and the support is great, but it takes a long time to get used to and to integrate. Almost all the apprentices I've talked to (including myself) have taken a number of months to settle into the team and the role, but it's worth it.