Application Developer Review

I'm and Application Developer, working in Global Payment Strategy(GPS). The team (around 40 people split into feature teams) and I follow an Agile methodology (producing thin slices of a software project in 2 week iterations), so on a daily basis we have a 'Scrum'. Which is where the team get together and talk about what tasks they have completed (from the previous day), blockers, bugs and what tasks they will do the current day. These usually take around 15 minutes. Along with working on the projects, learning objectives, meetings such as 'Sprint Vision' (for all feature teams), 'Planning' and 'Review' on a fortnightly basis. No day is the same as the previous. I have a lot of interact with other members of feature teams within GPS, but also with other departments throughout the company.

I have learnt new software languages for both sort and hard software development.Such as: Java, Java Script, Angular JS, VB, and understand Flux patterns for event monitoring. I have also learnt TDD (Test Driven Development) which is very important fro software development and writing clean code. Along with this I have developed and work in an Agile way to deliver projects.

I thoroughly enjoy the work I go on a day to day basis, and the teams are very supportive. This apprenticeship had beaten my expectations, as I started of skeptical as I had no technology or coding background. But the training provided has been excellent along with the support from my Manager and Pipelines Mangers. There's also lots of extra circular activities, from helping out at TechFest and internal event, charity work and work sporting clubs and teams.

I feel very much appreciated my Manger, I will eventually develop into one of the feature teams (being one of the first apprentices to roll off into a feature teams). We have also been given tasks and projects with high exposure and are very much valid.

Training provided for tech apprentices and we had a 3 week boot camp to learn the fundamentals of Java and testing. I have also been given LASD (Lean and Agile Software Development)which is an internal course of TDD and methodologies of Agile and Lean thinking. Our team members have also supported us giving us learning material and tasks.

Our training is provided BPP and are doing a Level 4 NVQ in Providing Financial Services. We have online lectures once a week and we meet regularly for face-to-face meetings as well. They give us efficient feedback on coursework and give exam tips

I get sufficient support when needed from my Manager and Pipelines Managers. They have given me training material from leaving Java, to helping me train to become a 'Scrum Master'.

Sufficient to live off, I relocated for this apprenticeship and the wage covers rent, bills, travel cost and social events efficiently.

There are loads of extra circuital activities outside of work. I am a member of works Sailing team/club and have participated in regattas and training events. There are also lots of voluntary opportunities such as: packing presents for venerable children, Code for Good and raising money for charity by doing Round the Island Race. My ream are also very sociable so we meet a lot after work and organize activities such as go-karting or go to the gym.

Yes

It is an fantastic opportunity to start your career either in Technology, Operations or Corporate Banking . With chance of mobility and amazing opportunities.

there are 4 stages of the interview process: - Phone interview from BPP - group assessment day (work together as a team a communicate well, don't take the backseat but at the same time don't rule over everyone in the team) - Insight evening (do some research about the company) - Video Interview (it's not as scary as it seems!)