Higher Apprentice - Technology Developer Review

I am a Software Developer in a Big Data team and I spend time learning new programming languages and techniques from other developers in my team, also through University and training on a platform called Pluralsight. I work on small and large projects and contribute small code additions which I have been tasked with. We are responsible for writing high quality code which is then thoroughly tested and put into production.

I have learnt many new skills and improved other skills such as communication. It is very important for me to be able to communicate effectively with others in my team to ensure that we all understand the tasks at hand. The role also requires a good amount of technical knowledge which I have been able to expand with the University courses.

I enjoy the programme to a small extent. I was quite disappointed that unlike the Graduate Scheme, the Graduate Apprentice programme is non-rotational. This means that I have been deployed into a team which is likely to be the same team that I will be in at the end of the Apprenticeship. I did not have a choice in which team I was to be placed in, and I am unable to move. This means that I can't get the opportunity to experience the wide variety of different developer roles. This didn't meet my expectations when I accepted the apprenticeship.

The programme is quite well organized and there are many events and training exercises available, although some of these can be repetitive or very similar to each other. Workplace and University days are very clearly structured in the sense that you will not be expected to do any work on a University day and vice versa. Unfortunately, 'study' days for exams are very limited in number, so I have had to take annual leave ahead of some exams, in order to properly prepare for them. Again, it is very disappointing that the programme is structured in the way that Apprentices do not move around to experience different teams, so they can discover what they are actually interested in.

There is a large support network for all Apprentices on the programme. We have access to a line manager, team/tech buddy, talent coach and apprentice buddy. We can reach out at any time for help and I have found the support to be good. The support is very accessible.

I have found the support from my University to be excellent. The advisor of studies checks in with us a couple of times a semester (one to one meetings) and we get on very well as he is one of our lecturers as well. I have found a good experience with asking for support from my University.

Working towards a degree in Software Engineering means that we have done several practical software courses at University which have given me experience and knowledge to contribute towards projects in the workplace. I was able to put the theory from University into practice at work within a matter of months, which can further my learning by learning on the job which makes things easier at University.

Yes, we are encouraged to participate with 'Citizenship' activities which are organized by individuals or entire teams and business areas. We are encouraged to contribute to at least one activity as part of the programme and we should doccument this. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic much of this has been put on hold but many activities can be done virtually now.

No

I have had a tricky start to my apprenticeship and I have found it difficult to stay motivated as I have been placed within a team where I do not feel that I can excel in my work. Unfortunately Barclays did not wish to open conversations to help me move team when I spoke up for help so I just have to get on with it and therefore I cannot recommend Barclays to a friend.

Stay calm and confident when doing interviews. Don't stress too much over the application process as it is designed to take up a minimal amount of your spare time and the challenges get progressively slightly harder. Look very carefully at what kind of specific skills Barclays are looking for in the job role and discuss what and how you can bring these skills to the business.