Software Developer Review

I create new programs for projects or amend existing programs on the mainframe. I am required to detail these changes and provide in depth testing for review. I also perform tables changes and provide KT sessions to new joiners aswell as helping them in their early stages of programming.

Very much new skills as I work on the mainframe the language is very old and fairly unique so the learning curve can be quite steep at first. I have developed on my existing skills of programming solutions and developing test plans as I have previously programmed at college and high school.

I enjoy my programme I think it has expanded my view on programs and coding in general and helped me develop alot of sought after and highly valuable skills that I can transfer throughout my career. There are some topics covered on the degree course which could be better.

The university courses are pretty well organized and tailored to you as an individual due to the team placements at work. The structure of how you get trained up in work could of been better for myself personally however I joined during covid and it was a particularly hard challenge

I receive a good level of support, we have career coaches internally who support you a fair bit in the early stages. I have regular 1-2-1s with my employer to discuss my tasks/blockers and future progressions.

My employer is great at recognizing my university tasks and allowing time aside for calls during work hours for support and now it is my third year project allowing a day a week allocation for completing that. It really takes alot of extra pressure off.

Due to the specialism at university being software, it helps me greatly in my day to day role. Some of the early degree business courses not so much however the mainframe/software tailored courses are great.

I am part of Barclays football team, I occasionally play at the new pitch at work and am looking to be apart of the corporate games later this year. There are plenty of apprentice and new joiner networking events hosted on site.

Yes

It is a very innovative company that's tech focused and great at providing opportunities to young people who aspire to make a career in teach, with loads of different teams and functions the company is very diverse and exciting. They treat employees extremely well and I am proud to work for them.

Be yourself, take notes and think outside the box