Solution Architect Review

My day to day job includes working with a large team creating solutions for problems occurring on the Barclays banking app, or new ideas that may be requested by the business. I consult with people and also work on projects that help explain things more [properly about the work that I do.

During the apprenticeship so far I have developed skills at work and with my training partner Manchester metropolitan university. One of the key skills i have learnt is the coding knowledge of various different languages such as HTML, CSS, JAVA, JAVASCRIPT, PHP. All these skills help me feel confident in approaching this type of work in my day job.

I enjoy my programme a lot. This is for many reasons such as the team I am in support me and also make me feel welcome. i also enjoy the programme as i am able to develop skills i already have and also new ones i have learnt which increases the range of work i can complete.

The structure is well organised as each module links in with one another such as web development for module 1 and programming for module 2. this means you can incorporate skills from each module together. It also has organised websites for help and guidance for each section of the course with helpful lecturers.

I receive a lot of help from my employer. Throughout the programme I have been assigned a line manager who I have weekly calls with and also a skills coach who we can go to any time and have organised calls with as well. During the programme I have also received help from set 'Buddy's' as well.

I get a lot of help when working towards my qualifications. One reason is being given 20% of time to work on any assignments due in. another reason is i can always ask questions if needed to help me complete any work i may be stuck on when complete work set by the training provider.

It helps a lot as the 2 different sections of the course so far help with different things. for example the business work helps with understanding the different requirements our own business may face which we must consider when working. also the coding side helps with my day job to complete and understand work i get set.

There are a lot of networking and social events at my work place which i am invited top. I feel like these are a good way of reaching out to people you may not get chance to speak to normally and also build a bigger group of people to speak to and know.

Yes

I would recommend Barclays to a friend due to the many benefits and also the work life balance. the apprentices are very well supported throughout the programme and make sure our knowledge and skills match the role we are placed in. The colleagues in which work here are also helpful and friendly which helps with the work balance.

I would make sure they use the application to describe themselves and make sure they are really suited to the role in which they apply for. this will help later on when they are employed in role they can perform well ion and use their skills to their advantage. I would also say to be confident in how the speak and present during the application.