Technology - Degree Apprentice (Software Engineering) Review

by Barclays

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.8/10

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

Much of my day is spent in relevant workplace meetings, actually coding is a smaller fraction of my job than I would have thought prior to joining Barclays. However, there are opportunities to get involved in projects that interest you.

8/10

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

Yes, Barclays has a strong focus on personal development. I have learned Ab initio (data engineering tool), learned Tableau (data visualization tool), furthered my knowledge on python and SQL, gained skills in AWS and cloud development, and overall gained more confidence - e.g. delivering presentation to crowds.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Although the reality of software engineering is far from what you see on TV, I have to say that I do enjoy my role. It offers variety and I have to chance to interact with some really clever and interesting people. The university course is also interesting and engaging

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Overall the programme is pretty well organised, in years 1 and 2 I spend most of my time in work with 2 uni blocks comprising of 8 weeks which take place october/november and march/april. In years 3 and 4 we move on to day release

9/10

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

In my experience the support network I have in work is great, I have colleagues I can reach out to for any issues/questions/queries. Personally I can't fault it!

10/10

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

I have an advisor I can reach out to for any programme issues. On a course level our lecturers are friendly and approachable, we also have PHD student which help us during our labs/tutorials. We can use teams to interact with our support network, overall a good experience.

9/10

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

To be honest there is definitely a disconnect between my studies at university and my role in work, with software engineering being such a broad field this is going to happen. I do find, however, that the soft skills developed during uni blocks helps me in my role more than the hard skills.

7/10

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.)

Yes, there are several opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities in Barclays. We have 5-aside teams and many social groups. There are pretty frequent apprenticeship/graduate networking events, usually with drinks and food provided, as well as various social events that take place regularly

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Barclays to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Overall, it is a good company to launch your career with. The pay and benefits given to us whilst working towards a degree at one of the best universities in the country cannot be grudged, the work I do is engaging and pushes me to be the best I can be

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

Understand what Barclays is all about, our work culture is a positive one where collaboration is embraced and excellence is celebrated. Know the Barclays values and make sure they resonate with you as they underpin everything we do on a day-to-day basis