Technology Foundation Apprentice Review

Working on projects associated with the trading applications. I work on the trading floor so I am engaging with people in many different roles at various levels on a daily basis. I work with a small team, and try to get involved with different types of activities and projects which I can use to build my skills.

My IT skills have developed more and more since joining as well as becoming more advanced with Excel and other data engines and the language used in IT. Other members of my team have taken time out to let me shadow them when using query languages and databases, which can be beneficial to building my skills.

I enjoy it most of the time. It can be frustrating sometimes as I have learned that most projects come with lots of issues along the way that need to be addressed. I like that my role is very random, in which I mean one day I can be working on one thing, and the next day I find myself working on a completely different project.

I like the structure of the programme because it is very straight forward and I have been able to plan the next year and a half, and the available options when the apprenticeship ends. All the modules are split up, with time in between to apply these new skills in the workplace.

My employer is good with supporting me through anything I am unsure of and if I need any extra guidance. They understand there are some things that need more explaining to understand. As not all of the aspects of my qualification that I need to document in my portfolio can take place within my team, my employer is working to allow me to spend some time in other teams to apply these skills and put into practice.

I have a few people from the training provider that I can email/contact whenever I need to. All tutors from courses allow us to contact them after the course has ended if we need any further guidance. We have a meeting with a skills coach every 1-2 months and they go through our progress on our portfolio and help with any concerns.

So far, not 100% of what I have learned through the training provider applies to what I do in my day to day role. However, the things I have learned have helped me to understand different IT terms much better. My course in particular, is very broad and will cover things which I will find useful in the future should I choose to move to a different department.

Yes, I have been to a couple of networking events since starting which involved professionals from other companies. This was really good to get the opportunity to go to. I have taken part in a couple of citizenship events which is always encouraged and this will look good on me after the apprenticeship.

Yes

So far, Barclays has really shown to me how they look after their employees. Apprentices are treated the same as everyone else in the company and we have regular contact with the apprenticeship coaches which really help us. Benefits are really good and I think I will be here for a long time.

Think about where you want to go in the future and the opportunities which could be held for you within the company. Be persistent with learning - not all of it will be relevant to you and your role or actually of an interest but the majority will be beneficial to you and building skills which you may need in the future.