Programme Management Officer Review

PMO give full support to project managers and team for all controls and associated requirements for successful delivery of project. Coordinates, collects and centralises all information about the activities of the program. Ensure that PMO documentation is maintained and updated regularly Managing the budgets for the programme. Prepares minutes and meeting reports of a technical nature to ensure discussions and decisions are well documented. Working with project managers to manage RAIDS (risks, issues and dependencies) ensuring key elements of workstream plans are accurately reflected for key stakeholders. Supporting in programme activities, such as Purchasing including invoice payment process. Setting up and maintaining project files and documentation.

Both, I have developed existing skills such as the use of Microsoft Office programs, time keeping and diary management. As well as this I have developed a wealth of new skills including Stakeholder Management, Presentation Skills and Prioritising my workload. I have also developed skills in Java, SQL, HTML, PHP, Maths and Project Management.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, although there is many challenges in my short time being at Barclays I have gained a wealth of knowledge in working for a huge global company and the different job roles that go with it. I have a lot of my own responsibilities and need to ensure I am carrying out certain tasks each day/week as if I didn't they would have an impact in our overall team. The team I am a part of within Barclays are very friendly and helpful and always open to give me advice on any areas I am struggling with, including my work and university studies.

I feel although the programme is great on paper there are many ways it could improve. For example at university the degree we are assigned to is Software Development for Business however our work roles may not be aligned to this at all. This means some of us with less technical roles are at a disadvantaged compared to others who are more aligned to the degree in the workplace. There is general support from Line Manager and team however it is clear this is very dependent on how lucky you are with the team you are placed into. I have been lucky and my team are very helpful and understanding however other apprentices within my cohort are not having the same experience. We have regular catch ups with our Line Managers and not so regular catch ups with the Apprenticeship Team (Based in Manchester - not great when you need advice quick). If you are not placed into a developer team you may struggle with the Java as we are not permitted to do university work during work hours so can only use our free time for our studies which obviously is challenging as you are juggling full time employment, part time study and a personal life. Where as if you are in one of these times you will probably pick the work up quicker.

There is general support from Line Manager and team however it is clear this is very dependent on how lucky you are with the team you are placed into. I have been lucky and my team are very helpful and understanding however other apprentices within my cohort are not having the same experience. We have regular catch ups with our Line Managers and not so regular catch ups with the Apprenticeship Team (Based in Manchester - not great when you need advice quick). I personally feel we could have more support if there was an Apprentice team in Glasgow who is able to see the struggles we have day to day.

The training we receive from the provider is very much dependent on the Tutor themselves. Some tutors are very helpful and even put on extra classes for those struggling. However some not so much support is given. The training is seen as 'flipped learning' which means you teach yourself in your free time the material then come to the lectures with any questions you may have. I don't feel this is best as when there is a class full of people all who need help it can be hard to get round everyone to give support. If we did the labs/tutorials in the classroom we would be able to ask questions there and then that would probably help all the students.

I don't feel the qualification is at all relevant to my role within the workplace, other people within my cohort have more aligned roles however mines is not related. This is one of the main issues with the apprenticeship that has been fed back to our senior team. There is more relevant qualifications to my role provided by the university however may not be available for the apprenticeship scheme.

Barclays is big on citizenship, I take part in many charity events throughout the year. I enjoy this aspect of work as I am a firm believer in giving back to the community and helping those of us who are less fortunate. This includes raising money as well as providing an educational aspect by teaching young people about working in the industry, as well as running Coding events where we teach young people basic coding skills. We also have monthly social events in which all of the technology resource are invited to network. There are many social activities and sports events to get involved in throughout the year.

Yes

I would recommend working for Barclays as it is a very flexible company and has many staff benefits including health care and a pension scheme. I feel there is a lot of opportunity to build an excellent career within this company and feel encouraged by the people around me to do so. Barclays is a growing business and opportunity is endless as it becomes more tech savvy there will be a need for a range of new roles.

Apply! It can be intimidating coming into a corporate environment however Barclays does not have that feel. Most people are very friendly and are happy to knowledge share with the people around them. I have gained so much knowledge since joining and I am still learning every day, I have gained a wealth of transferable skills that I can take with me on my career journey.