Higher Apprentice Software Engineer Review

by Barclays

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

In work I work on the Jira Automation Dashboard project in Market Risk. It is a reporting tool to work using the Jira software. I do full stack development on this project. I also get the opportunity to work on a videography project with GAIN

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have greatly improved my skills in coding in Python, JavaScript, HTML and CSS. I get the chance to present quite a lot with my team so I have improved my confidence in presenting with now bi-weekly demos of or app. I have also since been publishing videos for GAIN

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I love it. University is quite difficult from 2nd year 2nd semester onwards but work makes it all worth it. Seeing what you've learned be applied in real life. With the GAIN video I get to experience different aspects of life in Barclays and its so fun

10/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I prefer our semester-like structure compared to the Day release other universities and companies offer. You really get a taste of student-life, and for 16~ weeks of the year you are a full-time student - which comes with ups and downs of course. Overall, very happy

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

So much. Barclays are very helpful and everyone is an email or Teams message away for advice or guidance. Everyone wants to see eachother grow and learn so it makes for a very positive work environment

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Lecturers and tutors are always on hand during class time and lab time to help with anything you need. Any issues you come across they help you towards the answer. Contacting your advisor for additional advice and help is also very easy and quick responses are common.

10/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Everyday I'm in work I see crossovers, or vice versa. I've been in class sometimes and realised that I've been doing this new thing we're being taught about already in work.

8/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I play with the table-tennis lot quite a lot during my lunch break. I am part of GAIN where I lead a project called GAIN 21 Questions. This is is a videography project allowing me to connect all aspects of the bank and put them on display.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Barclays to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The work environment (in office) is amazing. Everyone is so kind and helpful. You always find someone to get a coffee or lunch with. There are always people who can help you learn. Barclays also provide so many resources to improve yourself in your own time

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barclays?

Stick at it and don't worry too much about your skill level. You are not going to know everything and everyone has went through the same as you, the exact same. Find a mentor, someone higher up to shadow and learn from.