digital accessibility associate Review

Digital Accessibility team. The team’s role is to ensure that Barclays’ digital infrastructure can be used by everyone irrespective of their access requirement. I help design and update the training resources my team offers to project areas in order for them to create accessible products and services. I also test websites and applications to make sure they comply to our accessibility standards.

Appreciation of web, mobile and desktop development languages. Working understanding of project delivery methodologies including Waterfall and Agile. Understanding of Barclays Software Governance Approaches. SME understanding of accessibility including making HTML, Mobile and Desktop applications accessible. Includes knowledge of ARIA and PDF Accessibility. Conducting and co-ordinating accessibility assessments and testing, identifying and prioritising issues that would make digital content difficult or impossible for users with disabilities to see, hear, understand and use. External outreach and networking with external organisations to develop and promote best practices within the accessibility industry.

I really enjoy working in accessibility. This area is of particular interest to me, having spent my whole life living with a family member who is visually impaired. To now be given the opportunity to impact positive change at Barclays is inspiring. In terms of the apprenticeship itself, I've enjoyed meeting new people, learning new skills and growing in confidence.

I feel the apprenticeship is not well organised at all. It took a very long time (7 months) for us to be given a starting date for our college course. Our objectives, both internally and at QA, have been very vague and I always have to ask for clarification on them.

In some areas, I get fantastic support off my line manager and from others within the team. However, other times I get very little support and I'm left to do things on my own. Sometimes the freedom works well for me but other times I wish I had more support.

At college, I thought the support was great and the tutor worked hard to support me so I could pass my exam. However, I get very little support from the skills coach who is supposed to help with my course work and projects. I have to constantly ask him if i have a question and even when he does reply, the answer is still vague.

The HTML, Javascript and CSS course did help me understand my job role better. However, I got the exact same information by doing an online PluralSight module. The other college courses added very little value to my job role but it was still interesting to have insight into coding practices.

I am part of Reach, the Barclays Disability and Mental Health Network. I attend and support all the events during the World Autism Awareness Week at Radbroke. I also take part in a number of external/ sponsored activities delivered by my team e.g. Open Accessibility event, Camp Digital, BBC Accessibility meet up.

Yes

I would recommend working at Barclays because there are a wide range of jobs available to suit different needs, abilities and preferences. Also, the flexible hours make working at Barclays more enjoyable. The people on site are friendly and approachable and the site itself is a lovely place to work.

On the assessment day, make an effort to think outside the box and get involved in all activities. Don't take a back seat. Don't be afraid of speaking your mind and give honest feedback. Be willing to make new friends and benefit from the experience of other colleagues.