Data Officer Review

On a day to day basis my role involves working with a variety of stakeholders to ensure the quality of data in our internal issues management system meets defined standards. I work with our internal team members in Noida to create reports to ensure the data is to the highest quality, and meet stakeholder expectations.

I have definitely developed my Excel skills massively as I use it everyday. Before the apprenticeship I had never seen a SharePoint site. Due to creating and managing 3 SharePoint pages my skills have massively improved and I am now seen as an SME. My team have helped me to develop my communication skills massively.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme as I get to learn as I earn. Being able to gain a qualification in project management as I work in reporting has aided me in being able to understand different aspects of business and put my learning into practice. I feel that I'm supported massively in my role by both my team and the apprentice team.

The programme is well structured, but the governance around defined objectives is poor. More 1-2-1s with our career coach would be highly useful as it'd provide more support from the apprentice scheme side. Events are well organized and the team work hard to ensure all apprentices are supported throughout their time.

Barclays provide massive amounts of support, and take mental health, personal health, financial stability very seriously. Barclays make their avenues of support very clear and I know who I would need to go to if I felt overwhelmed. Barclays provide a lot of opportunities for apprentices, and ensure we're supported into our promotion post-apprenticeship.

We have experienced issues with QA regarding our skills coach and at workshops. We have had around 4 skills coaches throughout our programme and were told a variety of contradicting things about our portfolio. Our current skills coach has cleared up any issues and we are now on track to completing our portfolio. We did not start Qa until nearly a year later than our expected date which has had a knock on effect on when we can finish the course.

It definitely has helped me to understand my organization and some of the things my team produce / do to ensure we meet deadlines. Project management is very broad and has helped me to get an understanding of the project we're working on and the steps we need to follow to ensure we meet our deliverables.

There are many extra curricular activities e.g. football, tennis, puzzle clubs, running and a variety of monthly networking events. You can sign up to any clubs which are of your interest via the intranet. Barclays hosts monthly networking events which are open to all of those within a specific function which allows people to network in a social environment.

Yes

The apprenticeship has helped me to develop my interpersonal skills massively, and grow as an individual. I believe it's a great route into industry, and with Barclays allowing apprentices to learn for free it's a no brainer decision. Barclays provide excellent support to all apprentices, and they're a great employer to begin a career in. The opportunities to move around internally are broad.

I would advise that you're open minded about your experience and don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed by the possibility of your role being partially technology based. All roles are becoming technology based nowadays, and Barclays are moving with the industry. Even if you're not tech-savvy, don't allow the thought of technology stop you from pursuing your chosen career path.