Apprentice Developer Review

My role involves maintaining and improving the debit cards system. So on a day-to-day basis this is working on projects that can range from short (a few weeks) to long (a few months) that are aimed at improving the systems by adding functionality, improving efficiency or fixing bugs. This includes working with a team with a varied range of people based in the UK and also with a range of people based in India.

Since starting the apprenticeship I have learnt 2 entirely new coding languages and have started to learn how to program for 2 entireley new systems. I have also completed a range of different internal and external training courses. An example of this would be attending a week long course in Manchester to learn more about network security and the cloud, topics that aren't neccesarily useful for my day-to-day work but have been useful when it comes to completing assignments for the attainment of the degree, and will be useful in the future.

The work that I complete is varied and I am able to get a large amount of support from the people on my team. I enjoy spending time in the office due to the open, accepting and fun culture across the whole site and all teams. I had an idea of what to expect due to completing work experience before the programme, but since starting the programme it has exceeded my expectations with how enjoyable I have found it so far. Not only due to having varied work, but also having fun and meeting new people through the programme.

During the first month of the programme there was a lot of induction and training to do, but also a lot of support. The program seems to be well organised, with feedback from previous years being acted on for new intakes. This is both on the employer side and the academic side.

If I need help with anything it's really easy to get it. Each apprentice has a person on their team that they can go to with work related issues, a senior apprentice to help with any personal or general issues and then a career coach to help with any bigger work/personal issues.

It's really easy to get help, tutors regularly provide extra sessions for support with assignments or topics that last a whole day. As long as you have permission from your line manager to attend (which is given 99.9% of the time) they are really good sessions to attend. If you have an email then you have a range of contacts in the University that will reply really quickly. Not only does this include subject tutors for if you have any questions about assignments or need any help with a topic, but it also includes specific mentors that you can contact with any general questions. Regular meetings are also organised with your mentor so that they can have a discussion with you and your line manager about how work and university are going and if there are any issues that need discussing.

Due to the units that I complete, most of the content that is covered is really useful for my role and vice versa. Some of the topics covered are the same as things I have done in work, so I can use the lectures to get a better understanding of topics or to get more experience using them.

There are a wide range of extra-curricular activities to get involved in on the site that I work at. These range from sporty things, to creative activities and then professional development groups e.g. a group that practices public speaking regularly. There are also a lot of activities to get involved in that aren't for one specific thing. Like fundraisers that have a lot of activites to do.

Yes

I have had nothing but positive experiences both before starting the apprenticeship (when completing work experience) and after. Since starting the apprenticeship I have developed so much, including learning 2 skills that I wasn't even aware of beforehand. Everybody I have met in the office, no matter what team has been friendly, helpful and happy.

Barclays is a very inclusive and open company to work for. Don't be afraid to be yourself, it will only help you to be more confident on the day and make you more memorable. Resilience and Perseverance are definitely valued, so don't be afraid to talk about your failures. Showing that you have learnt from them and grown is really good. If you attend the assessment day and don't hear anything after 2 weeks - don't worry. The number of assessment days held and the size of the company mean that it's only an estimate, it's likely that when you get the call it'll be after those 2 weeks.