Apprentice Developer Review

As part of my role as an apprentice developer at Barclays, I have to ensure I am up to date with all training, attend all immediate team and wider team meetings, work on developing my skill set, complete all university assignments, and familiarise myself with the codebases already in place.

Working for Barclays as part of the Apprentice program has greatly improved my programming skills. With both work based learning and University courses providing experience with learning techniques and new languages to learn. Team members are able to advise on what skills are best to develop as the apprenticeship progresses.

I am enjoying the Barclays apprenticeship greatly. Barclays promotes a very welcoming environment to work, there are several groups within Barclays to promote inclusivity and the support throughout the pandemic has been very comforting. The University of Glasgow has also been an inclusive Environment with support available throughout the University periods.

There is a good amount of structure to the Barclays apprenticeship. During the at work portions of the apprenticeship there is a structured program with objectives set to completion dates. The trainer led sections with the University of Glasgow are two 8 week blocks. These are similar to standard University time with a set timetable and exam periods.

As previously mentioned Barclays have a fantastic support system. There are resources available for mental health assistance, LGBTQ+ groups, women in technology and more. Barclays also have a talent coach system where the different apprentice groups are assigned a talent coach, they provide support, advice, and coaching on apprentice objectives throughout the program, in one to one meetings or in a monthly group wide meeting.

The training provider, the University of Glasgow, has shown a great amount of support during the apprenticeship. They provide mental health and study help services both during the university blocks and out with. The head of the university program also has a one to one meeting with each student once a semester to check how the program is going and to make sure they are coping well.

The qualification achieved through the training provider as part of the apprentice program will allow me to perform better in my role as it will cover a range of different topics vital to the workplace. I have already covered the basics of how to learn a new language which will allow me to keep up with evolving technologies.

Currently due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic most events have been cancelled. However there have been some pub quizzes and other socialising events set up to improve staff moral while we are waiting for the world to go back to normal. As previously mentioned there are groups set up for LGTBQ+ and other groups that regularly have seminars intended to spread awareness.

Yes

Barclays have a fantastic atmosphere as part of the apprentice program. I am not treated like a lowly employee, I am treated like a full team member. The setting promotes learning and the support networks in place make your goals achievable while making you feel as though you are heard and appreciated.

Best practices while applying to Barclays in my opinion. Learn the Barclays values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship. Be prepared to work hard, the in workplace training and university classes take a lot of hard work and effort, but they are more than worth it. Be yourself and show Barclays the best version you can be.