Mainframe Apprentice Review

I work in the mainframe sector of the bank, of which I am involved in the security of the mainframe. This involves the checking of groups, user IDs, password security standards and more on the mainframe each day. I work with RACF as the mainframes means of security which involves the protection or resources and datasets from users and groups who do not have the permitted access to view/alter it. My role involves checks and long-term tasks to make the mainframe more secure and safer to use.

As an apprentice, I have learned many skills, on top of my job role. The apprenticeship has allowed me to develop different skills surrounding morals and teamwork skills that I am able to apply both within and outside of work. My job role has taught me many new skills, primarily what a mainframe is and how to navigate around it, alongside the different security protocols on the mainframe.

I enjoy the program immensely, including working in a fully functional team, with other apprentices and the university studies. One of my favourite parts of the apprenticeship is the delegation of responsibility and trust tat we are given from an early point in the apprenticeship, allowing us to work efficiently as part of a team, whilst also developing our skills in training programmes.

The program is very well structured generally, with the first few weeks of the apprenticeship involving training programmes for programming skills that we would need for the job and our further studies. The apprenticeship allows you to reach out to experience opportunities independently, providing a sense of authority and giving time and the means to learn and coach others.

My employer provides the upmost support for me and all colleagues. This varies from the support of a line manager and of a career coach who remains very approachable and is consistently there to help should any issues arise. As ide from this, I am provided with multiple learning platforms, should I wish to complete any further training, and including the opportunities to attend conferences

My training provide provides us with sufficient support, including quarterly meeting with a liaison tutor to discuss progress and concerns within qualifications. The university also aids us in terms of tutors continuously checking we are up to date and being available whenever needed via email to provide pupils with support

Although interesting, my specific area of work is slightly different to my studies at university, and only little of my studies there are applied to my employment. Although the mainframe sector conducts code at a consistent rate, my role remains infrastructure based and these skills are not applied on a day to day basis. However, it does allow me to get a grasp on the sector that my peers and I work in and could prepare me for future coding opportunities.

There are multiple extra-curricular activities, for example, a gym which I attend on a weekly basis, sports teams and often there are annual or sometimes monthly events that provide employees with fitness opportunities, such as cycling activities for the whole site to get involved in, walking activities around campus and opportunities to practice public speaking.

Yes

It is a great environment to work in, bot people wise, with consistent support and ability to meet people and collaborate on ideas, and site wise, with multiple activities and enrichment to partake and get involved in. The professional and yet fun environment is endearing to work in and provides skills and opportunities for life that can always be applied.

I would suggest the application of the companies objectives (RISES), while applying for the job and keeping them in mind when applying your own experience to the scenarios. Barclays is a company that is very neutering to employees and providing them with the strive that you have to work within the company will push your strive to work for such a successful company. When applying, keep an open mind and remember the values that you need to demonstrate in order to perform successfully.