Digital Apprentice Review

My role involves me liaising with internal payment teams that form the payment structure of the bank. These teams are based internationally so I have regular meetings with them over webex. I have these meetings so that I can look to on-board their data logs into a data aggregation tool. From this tool it allows the teams easier access to their data logs as opposed to using a database

Yes I have learnt multiple new skills. I have learnt programming languages both within my company and new ones at University. I have learnt Unix and ruby within my company and java, python within university. I have also developed my business and communication skills within my role. It is important to communicate in an effective manner to maximize business potential.

I really enjoy my program. The first year gave me a great base within technology for me to develop well. My team is experienced but also give me a depth of support should I need it. The company culture is excellent and really give apprentices like myself to show how they can benefit the company.

I think the program is well structured however it could be improved. I think some topics are rushed by some tutors as they expect you to know what they are going through the first time round. The rushing is especially noted when at the end of the year there seems to be a lot of lectures that almost seem irrelevant to the course.

I receive a large amount of support from my employer. Not only do I have a tech buddy within my team to help answer any work related questions, I also have a further assigned buddy to help with any Barclays specific questions for example any career advice or how to sign up to the onsite gym.

My opinion on this is a mixed bag. I believe that there is a large support network for this course as there are multiple tutors you can ask questions. however I have emailed tutors on this course and not received a response for over 2 months. I also have asked a tutor some questions to which he did not provide any useful answers, his attitude did not seem supportive.

I do believe that my qualification performs better in my role. The qualification has provided me with great background knowledge. I often see multiple things I have learned in university around servers especially. Also the theory I have learned around how to code and the practicality and methodology of approaching tasks is mirrored from both the university and workplace

Yes there are regular social events in my workplace, specifically my area. We have events such as bowling or concord experience. My work place also has a 5 side football tournament that plays and even tag rugby at lunch times. We also do community events such as gardening for a local school all helping out at a national park. We also have lots of networking events and they share external events for us to attend.

Yes

It is a multinational company with a great pool of employees to learn from. They provide a good working pace so that you are not bored and also use the latest technology allowing you to adapt in today's society. The large campus ground also allow for a lot of communal work place events that make coming to work a nice place.

I would advise to be yourself and relaxed in your interview. If you have an assessment day, show that you can work in a team and communicate with others effectively. Also I would advise to read up on new Barclays products and things Barclays do on a day to day so that you have some idea what the job may entail.