Higher Technology Apprentice Review

I work in the CAMS team, part of Mainframe/Enterprise Platforms. I work as a developer, writing/amending programs using programming languages such as COBOL and JCL. My team is responsible for maintaining functionality relating to customers using their debit cards - that includes card renewals, use of ATMs and Points of Sale, interacting with other programs to check their account balance and either approve/decline transactions.

I've learnt a lot of new technical skills. Prior to starting my apprenticeship I had not had much if any programming experience - I've learnt how to use COBOL, JCL, limited REXX & Python, SQL, DB2. University has also given me the opportunity to improve skills such as working to deadlines.

I really enjoy the program. I've found the workplace environment really warm and welcoming, everyone is very friendly and willing to help. My team especially has so many people I can turn to if I get stuck, and everyone is happy to spend their time teaching me. I love the opportunity to be challenged and to grow to meet those challenges.

Very well structured. I spend one day a week at university during term time, and we are given all the deadlines with plenty of advance notice. At work when starting we had about 4 weeks of training organised, before meeting our teams. I have a Tech Buddy on my team who is an apprentice in the year above, as well as a mentor in my team.

I have a 1-2-1 with my line manager every two weeks. I also have a Tech Buddy in my team who is an apprentice in the year above to help with any issues, and a mentor who I have a meeting with every week and update by email with progress/any issues. I have a career coach who I meet with 4 times a year - there is so much support at work.

We have 1-2-1 meetings with our skills coach from MMU and our line manager every three months or so. The tutors are also very helpful - putting on extra drop in/assignment support sessions and also they are very willing to help out via email, even replying over weekends to support us.

I feel that the COBOL module has helped me greatly with my day to day role, allowing me more experience and time to practice programming. The degree course also gives us a wider spread of knowledge outside what we do at work, which I feel gives us a wider experience and a higher level of knowledge.

There are so many things to get involved in! There's loads of sports, charity and citizenship has a big emphasis. We work closely with schools, hosting career fairs, and tech sessions where kids come in and program robots, and offer an IT Girls Allowed event to get girls interested in IT.

Yes

I love working here. The atmosphere and site are fantastic to work at, and the culture really is so warm and welcoming. I enjoy the opportunities to push myself, constantly learning new things and developing. I've come so far in the 8 months since I've started, and I can't wait to carry on growing.

I don't think it really matters what your current level/knowledge is - if the apprenticeship interests you, it's definitely worth applying. I think that an enthusiasm and willingness to learn are more important than pre-existing skills and knowledge. When I applied it was a bit scary, especially the assessment day - but at the end of the assessment day that's when I knew I wanted to work at Barclays.