Apprentice Software Developer Review

On a day to day basis I work on code. Mainly improving existing code or adding new processes as well as removing bugs that we find. I also conduct testing to be able to ensure the code fulfills the aims stated in the design as well as making sure that it doesn't impact any existing processes.

Yes, starting the apprenticeship I had never touched code before at all. I have learnt how to code in COBOL as well as brief knowledge of rexx. Alongside work, the apprenticeship also helps you develop soft skills such as presenting and talking to others within different teams which has hugely helped with my confidence and now I present to schools with hundreds of children.

I thoroughly have enjoyed my time so far on the apprenticeship, I have had the opportunity to meet multiple new people through work and university. I also face new problems daily which keeps the job exciting as no day is ever the same and it allows me to keep testing my brain :)

The apprenticeship is very well organized, you get assigned an apprentice buddy for more informal information and advice which helps you feel at ease that you can speak to someone who has been through the program before. You also will have a coach within work and within uni that you can go to with any issues that you need and they can give you any information to keep you on track.

The support from Barclays is amazing, I began the apprenticeship with no knowledge of coding what so ever. They gave me training from day one to ease me into it and ensure that I understood everything step by step so I wasn't rushed and I could grasp all the different concepts at a steady pace.

Manchester Met offer a lot of support the tutors have specific hours out of your university days where you can contact them and reach out for help if you need. They also hold multiple sessions monthly for tips and tricks with thing like writing, presenting and referencing etc where again you can ask any questions and they can give you advice.

Our university assignments link very well with my job role and allow me to use thigs from lectures within work and vise versa . It also give you extra time to experiment with things and tools which you don't always get chance to do in work which helps you expand your knowledge .

Yes there are multiple out of office activities available. I am part of the netball teams which takes place on a Wednesday. Last year we were able to be entered into the corporate games where we played multiple teams from other company's in London as an event funded by work.

Yes

Barclays is a great place to work everyone makes sure you feel comfortable and included and if your ever stuck with anything at all there will always be someone that is willing to help you to make sure that you can resolve the problem as well as understanding the process.

Be yourself, Barclays definitely value different personality's and who you are as a person. As long as you are driven and up for a challenge Barclays is the perfect place to be able to reach out and expand your knowledge as much as possible with a great group of people for support.