Software Engineer Review
at Barclays
Degree Apprenticeship
Finance
Knutsford
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a software engineer it is my role to write and amend programs in the coding language COBOL. I take on small and large projects like this and can spend anywhere between 1 week and multiple months working on these. I receive a design document and then amend or write the required code changes before writing and performing a test execution.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The work part of my programme is highly enjoyable. I feel part of a team and have been well supported throughout my development. I am able to work with other apprentices on the same course as me allowing us to progress together while also having each other to talk to about concerns or ideas. The university part of the programme is good however can sometimes be slightly disorganized when communicating with my employer.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Before starting the apprenticeship I had very limited skills in coding. Now I am fluent in the coding language we use and would feel confident writing a program of any complexity. I have also gained business skills such as communicating with stakeholders and work place etiquette. Throughout my degree course I have learnt other skills such as business workflows, website development and internet security to name a few.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
The programme was incredibly well organized for the first two years. There are plans in place for a lot of the training and development we make as apprentices which helps guide us to success. Unfortunately in the 3rd year, the communication between employer and university was poor and meant that a lot of apprentices struggled with university required deliverables.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer is incredibly supportive, in both work and personal concerns. The course can be quite handholding for the first year which is probably for the best as not many apprentices are used to the change from school to work. As we get more experienced and independent the hand holding is reduced, however the support is still there if we need.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider is excellent in its support. Not only do each of the course leaders offer support, we have our own support and learning coach. They organize quarterly meetings with us to ensure our progression and development, and are there to provide other support including external support to work based issues if needed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My employer and training provider organized the course together for my pathway. This has meant that I have been able to develop my skills that I use daily throughout the entire course. The training has been relevant and useful and with the additional practice I get at work, it has made the training provider work much easier.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Normally there are plenty of activities available on site from sporting clubs such as touch rugby, football and tennis, to plenty of charity events all year round. unfortunately Due to covid, the office has been closed for over a year and so there are a far reduced number of activities going ahead. All of these should resume on return to the office.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Barclays to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Because it is a fantastic opportunity to learn while you earn, gain experience in a work place environment, and gain skills that cannot be found through normal university that will last you through your entire career. There are plenty of fantastic opportunities within the business however if you decide it isnt for, you still have gained incredible experiences and skills.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barclays?
Be honest and be yourself, be inspired and interested. If you are not really interested in the course, then maybe it isnt for you. If you are interested, then show it. It will set you out from the crowd and will gain you a lot of favor in the review process.
