Software Engineer Review

by Barclays

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.9/10

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

I am an apprentice software engineer. I work with a large codebase alongside several colleagues and work to maintain and improve this software.

9/10

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

I have learnt a vast range of new skills - most notably in terms of becoming more proficient in my ability to code and write up-to-standard pieces of code.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy and value the programme as it feels like a dream compared to what I would be doing on a traditional degree.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

It is quite packed. You work the whole time except for the time you are in uni and any annual leave you wish to take. It has been put together as well as anyone could attempt to try and get a full time employee to learn a whole degree.

9/10

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

I am fortunate enough to be on a very supportive team and even though I am still fairly fresh and nowhere near the final education level, I am still highly encouraged and surrounded by help.

9/10

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

My university has been quite supportive. It is obviously different as I am in the working environment a lot more in comparison but when I am at uni, there is a philosophy of trying to get the best out of everyone individually.

9/10

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

Being able to learn and not do anything with it would make life 10x harder. The fact that I am learning and then subsequently able to apply this knowledge or start to analyse and notice things that I would not have without my degree is a massive boost in your confidence.

9/10

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.)

There are more and more activities becoming available as we transition into this post-pandemic phase of life.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend Barclays to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I think as a whole it has been a very welcoming and happy environment. You tend to hear a lot from people about how they hate their job. Apart from me finding things hard - a part of any job that you start - it has been nothing short of fun.

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

Do not expect anything. Work to get in. A lot of people apply for this role. It cannot ever be stated that it is an easy role to get into, but that is because of how rewarding it is once you land it. Once you get it, you will not regret it.