Technology Higher Apprentice Review

I am part of a software development team in which I work with Business Analysts, the Project Delivery Lead and other developers to create or further develop systems needed for operations in Barclays. I use programming languages such as Python, Java and Angular, and attend meetings throughout the day that are necessary during the development process.

I have learned the full process from start to finish in a software development project at university, as well as getting this in a first hand experience in the workplace. University has helped me learn the theory behind some concepts, and the workplace helps visualise this and put it into practice. I have also developed my programming skills by learning a few new languages as well.

I fully enjoy the programme as you get the work experience as well as the university experience. If you had just to do a university course you don't get the feel of the workplace unless you do internships, which can be quite daunting. By getting put in at the deep end you can build working relationships with lots of new people as well as fully learning at university and apply what you know - making you gain more insight and knowledge.

The program is very structured, as you have certain blocks in the work place and at university. E.g. October-December and March-May at uni and the rest in the workplace. You have set objectives to complete each year on the apprenticeship programme for Barclays, as well as exams and projects at university.

By being part of the development team, you are treated just as a developer on the team, with your line manager being first point of contact with any problems. As well as that, you are given an apprentice buddy from later year in the course, which is nice to have someone to contact who has went through the apprenticeship course, as well as a career coach for any apprenticeship problems you have.

The training provider gives lots of points of contact in the sense that you can approach any of the lecturers for help during the course if you are struggling or need help. They are more than happy to help with your enquiries and are very friendly! You are also given the opportunity for meetings with your supervisor in which you can bring up any queries or contact them if needed.

The qualification fully starts from the bottom, which means you do not need much programming experience. One of the first courses being 'How to Learn A New Language' at the University of Glasgow course. It provides the necessary stepping stones to apply this knowledge at work, which can be very insightful. You are also given workplace days during the university block in which you can ask your team buddy questions about the team relating to things you have learned.

Barclays gives the sense of community, where you can join in on 'citizenship' activities where you can be involved in charity work for your local community, like gardening or performing workshops. You also have the opportunity to be involved in lots of programmes/teams that are important in the Barclays Inclusion and Diversity - such as Woman In Technology.

Yes

Barclays is a professional working environment in which feels like a community and sense of inclusion in the workplace. I have enjoyed my experience so far, given important tasks within in my team and also getting the satisfaction that I will have a qualification at the end of my apprenticeship programme. Barclays values seem aligned with mine, and focus on your needs to perform your job to the highest of standards.

Read and learn about the Barclays Values - RISES (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship). The company and its employees align their working environment to these areas. Also look into more depth of how you can be involved in Barclays extra-curricular programmes as this can make your experience at Barclays a very rewarding company to work for.