Technology Apprentice Review

My role is within a team that improves the existing processes of other teams in their development of applications. I largely interact with my immediate team day-to-day, on occasion needing to speak to contacts from the other team's mentioned, to assess requirements/show how ot use improvements we've designed.

The skills I've learned largely come from the university course, in work I've begun picking up new skills recently as I make my way through the learning and am more capable. Having to deal with other teams have developed my interpersonal skills and confident interacting with those higher than myself.

I can't say I enjoy the programme much, it is a lot of work and whilst I enjoy my day-to-day work with the team there are often pressures from both university work, and the apprenticeship team in barclays requires us to complete tick-box exercises which are ineffectual and pile on top of important work with no real value.

Not very well, there's a feeling that our line manager's aren't very familiar with what it means to be an apprentice and the requirements put on us. The university work is in condensed blocks to minimize our time out of work which usually means deadlines extended over the allocated university time alongside our day-to-day work. The objective tasks fgven to us by the apprenticeship organizers are ineffectual and to tick a box but ultimately adds needless stress ontop of existing workload.

The support given here is inconsistent from apprentice to apprentice as a lot is determined by individual line managers. Blanket rules in regards to the support we receive would be ideal especially if we are to be compared to each other performance-wise at the end of the year. We are given a talent coach that was advertised as someone who will be there and support us along our journey but in actuality it's someone to speak to a few times a year and keep track of tasks they give you.

The support from our training provider is substantial. They design the courses as best they can and have always been open to feedback regarding deadlines/workload. The lecturers are also very approachable with any issues you have with the material. They are also very responsive to address your concerns immediately.

The qualification is my main source of learning, both technical skills and software engineering in a professional environment. I'd say they've played a big part in how I've improved performance in work. The courses we need to take are all software-engineering related so will be relevant to at least some now, and the rest of us potentially later.

There are many extra-curriculars available at barclays. There is usually a group for something you're interested in such as sports/socials/people like you. THere are also plenty of networking events taking place. If there isn't a group for what you want it's possible to start your own if others are interested.

No

I don't think it is a well structured programme at the minute. Support varies between line managers which can be a significant factor in our performance in our studies and in work. The ineffectual tick box exercises mandated in our "passport" serve no value other than placing more work on top of us. Having knowledge of other apprentice's experiences from other companies I don't think Barclays are leading at all in apprentice experience or even compensation to make it worthwhile

The application process was fairly well put together. The inital tests will be geared towards showing the Barclays Values so it's definitely worthwhile researching those and bearing them in mind as you answer both the situational judgement tests and your own interviews. The values are a big part of working here and the best way to stand out against an equally technically competent candidate.