Mainframe Systems Programmer Review

by Barclays

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.2/10

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

Mainframe Systems Programmer works to maintain and improve the mainframe systems

10/10

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

I have learnt more skills specific to my role, such as JCL and REXX. I have also learnt from my learning provider such as Java

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy my work more than uni. The structure of the day at uni struggles to create an interactive/engaging environment

7/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Both are organised/structured, however uni is not structured as well in my opinion. The programming lecture for theory should be in a computing lab

6/10

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

I receive however much support I need, if I feel I need support I know I can ask my line manager for example and it will be sorted out

10/10

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

There are resources for us to use to support our assignments. However the in class structure does not support individuals who may be struggling, they would end up falling behind because the class is too large to have a more personalised one to one interaction with the lecturer - this is better in the labs however

5/10

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

The mainframe pathway is very specialised for my job role, so I imagine when I go into second year I will be able to see more clearly that my qualification will help

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.)

Barclays host a wide variety of events to get involved in, many of which I already have and enjoyed

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Barclays to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Because it hosts a great environment and the people are lovely

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

Be confident and be yourself, there’s so many people at Barclays and it is very diverse. There’s no need to feel ashamed about being your full self