Service Delivery Analyst Review

On a day-to-day basis I attend WebEx meetings with colleagues to discuss the company’s plans of reducing vulnerabilities. There are set dates for this delivery, so I work closely with other teams to ensure they are on track, identify who needs to be chased up and where there are blockers hindering the teams from achieving these set plans on time. Thus, I am daily on calls, working with spreadsheets and writing emails.

Over the years I have developed valuable interpersonal skills but also technical skills in the field of Excel, Java, HTML, Python, and in my new role as Service Delivery Analyst I am working with SQL and company internal tools which are very useful. There is always a Knowledge transfer plan in plan, in which you are mentored by someone to acquire the skills you need to complete your job.

I enjoy the open mindedness, the flexibility and the possibility to learn and grow within this programme. I had no technology background and commenced this technology apprenticeship simply because of the great reputation of my company and because I wanted to challenge myself. I have not regretted it, as I see myself as someone who has acquired valuable skills that have opened the doors into the world of technology, banking and project management.

The programme is very structured. Not only are units being revised regularly, our opinion is taken into consideration as well and so it is great to see how our company and the learning provider work closely together to provide a high standard of teaching and exposure to the working world.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. We have line managers that hold regular 121s with us and ensure we are on track, can voice out any issues. The employer is also aware of our university deadlines and so it helps structure our time better and when needed ask for tube to complete university work.

The support from my training provider is immense. Each apprentice has a Skills Coach who is available anytime and holds meetings with us apprentices and our managers to discuss everything. The Skills Coach is aware of our assignment deadlines, our tutors names, important other tasks we need to complete and help us stay on track. Further, there are great resources to study outside of university hours using LinkedIn learning to even acquire certificates.

From year 1 the foundation was set and every unit I have completed so far has helped me get a broader understanding of technology, of programme languages, of how to give presentations and more. I used to be very shy and did not know what my strengths were but the experiences I gained at university have helped me gain more confidence, acquire important personal and professional skills that also flow into my role and he’ll me perform my role better.

There are multiple events at my work place as many colleagues, myself included, are taking the initiative for what interests them and to ensure their voice is heard. There are four example forums for black professionals, there is a diversity and inclusion newsletter, there are sessions advising of mental health, there are sessions on how to manage one’s finances etc. Before Covid there were also many sports teams (football, tennis etc) and the possibility to join the in-house gym.

Yes

If you want to work in an open, flexible, welcoming environment where your voice matters, where you can grow and there are almost no limits to what you can achieve, then Barclays is the place to be. Having an employer believe and invest in you by offering a degree apprenticeship that is fully organised and paid for is an amazing opportunity everyone should embrace.

Do not limit yourself and take that step of applying. Once you’re called for an interview, just be yourself and believe in your strengths. This is a place where you can grow and even if you do not have mic experience, it will all change once you’re exposed to the work, surrounded by amazing colleagues and helpful students.