Mainframe Software Engineer Review
at Barclays
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
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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
My day to day jobs involves writing and maintaining software for Barclays mainframes. Other tasks include management of source code for releases and helping designers with their questions.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy my role inside the business as I'm given lots of opportunities but I don't particularly like the university side as I was never interested in going to university.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
My communication and time management skills have improved greatly throughout my course and my technical skills such as writing source code improving constantly as there is always something to learn.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Each year for university we are told the topics we will be learning and given pre reading information if we wish to use it. First two years are fine however there were some issues with the third year with a certain topic.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I was initially given other people to communicate with regarding any issues I had but since I've been through the apprenticeship for 3 years, they have become more relaxed and I have the freedom to learn how I want to.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My lecturers are always open to talk about my assignments or help with anything I'm stuck with. My designated skills couch provides me with any help I need and can point me to other resources if I need help with specific things.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Due to the uniqueness of my role, the training qualification only goes so far as there are three topics in the three years that are directly related to my job role. This can't really be avoided as there are few apprentices on this pathway.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are lots of activities at my workplace such as sports events, teams and networking events with other businesses in which they show off their technology. I don't personally get involved with the activities but will often visit the networking events.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Barclays to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Barclays provides lots of opportunities for new joiners and the job roles available are very interesting and vary.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barclays?
It's best to be honest, you don't have the be the perfect person as long as you show the willingness to learn and adapt.
