Apprentice Software Developer Review

My role as an apprentice software developer involve shadowing senior members of my team, learning their roles and responsibilities (whether its analysis, development or testing) and then applying these to my own tasks within the team. These include working on smaller projects and handling support queries that come in from other teams within Barclays.

Before starting in my current job, I had no previous experience of coding or software development. Since starting in my role I have learnt Java (including some fundamental testing), basic business analysis skills, UML design, how to develop a simple web page using HTML and CSS as well as how to create and manipulate an SQL database. Working in an office environment has offered me a chance to improve my soft skills such as responding to emails, organising and hosting meetings and improving my presenting skills.

I feel that my role has provided me a great opportunity to learn new skills that I can take into any workplace, both technical (java, HTML, SQL, UML design etc.) and so called 'soft' skills (communication skills, office etiquette) and this has provided me a solid foundation to either continue working within Barclays or to allow me to seek alternative employment once I graduate, and I enjoy developing these skills in my current role.

My program could be better organised to be honest. The company doesn't seem to know exactly what we are being taught at university and at the same time a lot of what the university is teaching us is not going to be required in my role within barclays. There seems to be little communication between the two and a lot is left up to the apprentice to carry information between employer and training centre.

I receive a lot of support from Barclays - in addition to the standard employee welfare support that Barclays offer to all employees, I have a line manager within my team who I work closely with on a daily basis, a career coach who oversees my program, a buddy apprentice in the year above who can provide guidance and the members of my team are keen to support me as I progress through my apprenticeship.

Glasgow Caledonian have a lot of support services open to students but not many specifically targeted towards apprentices. A lot of the time we are taught using the same learning materials as full time students on a similar degree, but we obviously have less time than them to work through the same materials so keeping up with work can be difficult considering we are often not given lecture materials not very far in advance.

A lot of what I am taught at University is not relevant to my role in the office. There isn't enough of an emphasis on Java which means I am left to self-teach a lot of things that I need for my role or seek help from colleagues - this I feel can be solved by clearer communication between employer and training provider.

Barclays do their best to provide some extra-curricular activities (weekly pub quizzes or similar) and the occasion sporting event. There are usually a wide variety of charity events and initiatives to take part in both within the office or by helping charities in the local area or in the wider community

Yes

I feel an apprenticeship is an excellent place to start your career as it offers both a chance to get a degree but also the chance to gain all the skills, experience, development and networking that come with working full time for an established company - whether you wish to continue working with that company or to seek employment in a different company/field.

I would recommend applying if you are an outgoing person with initiative to work hard and learn new things - there is certainly a lot to learn, but once you get the hang of it it is an extremely rewarding experience. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship versus a traditional degree.