Technology Apprentice Review

I have started out within a team responsible for the maintenance of a database. My initial role has been that of Apprentice Business Analyst. As a Business Analyst I work to evaluate changes to the banks technology that required to implement changes in the business (new product etc). Technical requirements and resources necessary to implement them are assessed, discussed with and passed on to the development team. Being a Business Analyst involves taking a high level view of software system design.

I've been introduced to many new technologies, some of which are unique to Barclays. Prior knowledge of SQL servers has been useful and has been built on as part of my daily duties involves interacting and managing SQL databases. The ability to understand and create documentation for very complex software systems has been essential in my role, and my overall business communication skills have improved greatly. I feel more confident than ever in my ability to communicate with colleagues - which has really helped me feel integrated and useful within the business (I can speak the language, so to speak)

My programme (Graduate Apprenticeship) is split between time at work and University. For me this happens in 8 week blocks (8 at work, 8 intense study at uni). Switching between these settings keeps everything feeling so fresh, University of course is a vastly different setting to the workplace, one where we share classes with all the other members of our cohort and even from other companies (studying on the same degree). Despite having worked entirely from home for the first year of this Apprenticeship, I have felt truly welcomed and integrated both at work and university. The sense of community has shone through even through screens, zoom calls and Teams chats. At work I've been involved with real projects and added real value to the business, and colleagues have been amazingly supportive and put loads of effort into educating me (considering I am someone totally new to the Software/Banking IT industry!) The work is all challenging, rewarding and I look forward to the growth opportunities of each and every day.

My time on the programme so far has all been done remotely, from home. Considering this and the pandemic chaos at the time it started I would say things are very well organised. The 8 week work/learning blocks creates a nice separation between work and study, where you can focus totally on whats at hand. Regular cohort meetings, seminars and activities are held and it feels like we are always engaged in something by the business

My manager has regular 1-2-1 meetings with me. Just for a casual catchup, but also to check up on how I've been keeping up with projects at work, lessons at uni. Barclays also links each first-year apprentice up with a 2nd year apprentice, who we can consult at any time for advice and guidance. The company also places great emphasis on personal wellbeing, there are many resources available to employees.

All of the staff at Glasgow University have been fantastic in supporting us throughout the trying pandemic situation. Working and learning from home has not been easy and they have really understood that, putting every possible measure in place to make sure we do not unfairly suffer. The Disabiltiy service have also been of great help. The lessons are all lovingly crafted, taught well and with vigor. It really is a pleasure to work towards this degree!

Much of the course content synergized very well with the work I was doing on the job. Developing an understanding of Agile development methods, Scrum ceremonies and so on at uni tied in well with the real manifestations of those things I take part in every day at work. Group project at uni also had as develop an application in sprints, using Jira to manage stories. This was a useful exercise where we were in control of every aspect of the project - when it came to writing creating issues and writing stories for them on Jira for real projects at work I was already familiar. The first year of uni has been a comprehensive introduction to professional software engineering, I have recognised pretty much all of the the learning somewhere at work.

Due to the pandemic extra-curricular activities have been somewhat limited during my first year. There has been a 'Cohort Coffee Club', an opportunity to have a 1-2-1 conversation with a randomly paired peer. There are also several organisations/clubs within Barclays that aim to help promote discussion and learning about issues such as race at work and gender at work. As an apprentice you will have the opportunity to visit any educational institutions you previously attended to promote the programme. This is a great opportunity to inform others of the pathways there are to a career at Barclays.

Yes

Barclays is a leading organisation that will make many resources available to you to help develop your career. You will quickly find yourself working alongside people who are experts in their field, and who are open to and eager to sharing that expertise with you. At Barclays, I feel valued and professionally nurtured. I am really glad that I'm able to gain experience on the job at the same time as studying for a degree. It really is the best of both worlds.

It will be useful for you to understand Barclays' core purpose and values, these describe what sort of candidate the company is looking for. Studying these really helped me prepare for my interview. https://home.barclays/who-we-are/our-strategy/purpose-and-values/ Think about experiences you've had where you have solved a problem, worked with others to solve a problem (ie at work, an academic group project, in some other team). Also think about what your motivation is for applying! Why do you want to be a technology apprentice? As an Apprentice, the company is not expecting applicants to have many years developing software or even working in a technology field. There are many people on the programme for whom this is their first job, and also many people who have come from careers in completely different fields!