Graduate Apprenticeship Review

Developing programs in Java. I am currently trying to understand my departments client onboarding process in order to make suggestions of improvement. I currently work in a pair with another developer the same level as me. I drive my own project and I am responsible for it being planned, executed and completed.

Yes. I had previously no experience working with any programming languages and have learnt Java, Python, and C. I am competent in understanding how computers work and I have the theoretical knowledge of how coding projects are compelted in a business context. Most of my learning new skills has been through university and self study.

I enjoy the job and the learning. However it is a lot of work, I spend a significant amount of my free time studying and learning things as the amount of knowledge needed for these roles are quite broad. Overall though, it is fulfilling and very interesting with a large scope of potential end careers.

The program isn't that well structured. There is a disconnect between university and my job, with the two having little in common apart from that they deal with computers and programming. There is a lot of self learning involved. My team isn't really a team which does much coding or programming, so I am setting a lot of the work up for myself and learning as I go

I do receive support in my job role, however there is little to no support from a coding/programming perspective. My team is friendly and approachable however there are no local developers to me that have time dedicated to spend teaching me. So I need to do all my work/learning off my own back

The university is really good at supporting students, especially certain lecturers. They are responsive to queries and concerns, this is made easier as everyone is super approachable. They have provided study sessions and other forums to help students. All in all, this is the best university experience I have had

Everything I have learned has been through university in terms of programming and coding. They have taught me how to code, how coding works in a business context and everything in between. They have allowed me to somewhat perform my role. But this doesn't work in the other direction.

There are a few if you want to join and participate. There are things like pub quizzes. I personally am a part of the cycling team which due to covid restrictions I havent actually got to go out with yet. There is a few other sports teams you can participate in too.

No

I feel there are other companies doing the exact same program who are better structured. They seem to have more resources to actually integrate you into a proper coding team and have dedicated time to train you. I feel Barclays lacks a lot in terms of tailoring you to be in a team in which would actually benefit your learning in university. There are some of my colleagues who are in teams who touch nothing to do with programming and coding. I originally was in the same position until being moved around.

I would give the advice of studying the Barclays purposes and values. I would also say if you are applying to the Technology apprenticeship, know what you are in for. It is a lot of studying and work but it is an interesting and well paid career. It would help to have knowledge of computers and coding