Mainframe Security Engineer Review
at Barclays
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Knutsford
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.2 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
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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:
4/5
As a security engineer, it is my job to ensure that RACF on the mainframe is secure. By implementing good security practices, it gives users more restricted access to prevent potential security breaches. I ensure that the mainframe environment has secure functions, such as enabling new password exits and updating regulations to be followed by other users.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy my program very much. I enjoy the work based side of my apprenticeship the most as it allows me to work alongside my colleagues, collaborate and gain new skills in my daily job. The degree side of the apprenticeship could be more fitted to my daily job by adapting the course, however it is still enjoyable.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learned many things being a security engineer. Firstly, I have learned about the mainframe environment in general and a variety of different coding languages, including CARLA, JCL and COBOL. I have further learned the importance of RACF to maintain a stable environment and secure resources for all mainframe users.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Programme is reasonably well structured, with set courses to be completed at university. The work elements are structured well and all apprentices are put into an area where their skillset is most suited to. Their is also an inhouse training program which allows apprentices to cross-skill and gain knowledge in other areas.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
The employer supports me very well. My manager is very supportive and aid with my development. She also gives me options and support with the future of my career. The HR team is supportive and provide options and a means of help if any apprentice is struggling with workload or mental health.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The training provider gives help towards our qualifications to a certain extent. Since the pandemic, it has been easier to contact training providers and allows us to keep consistent contact to aid us with our projects. Support is accessible over email or Microsoft Teams. Tutors provide support by ensuring pupils have the right facilities and means to complete assignments before the deadlines.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
My apprenticeship work is not directly aligned with the work my training provider gives. My daily role is not a vast programming role, which contradicts what my qualification provides. However I feel that if I end up moving around different teams, I will be able to put my experiences into practice.
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
There are many different facilities and events at the workplace. There is an on site gym that is accessible to employees with memberships. There are many sports clubs, including football, rugby, a golf club/course and more. There are also monthly socials that provide free food and drinks to employees.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Barclays to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Barclays has a wonderful working environment which is accessible to all employees. The workforce is flexible, friendly, and provides great incite and and inclusivity to new employees. When joining Barclays, you are immediately treated the same as other employees, and are given instant responsibility. This contributes to a great working environment.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barclays?
When applying for Barclays, ensure that you know what the Barclays RISES objectives are, and how your past experiences can align and demonstrate each of those attributes. Ensure that you stay driven and sincere when performing interviews and during assessment days to appear as a good candidate. Before applying for this apprenticeship, ensure you are interested in the area, e.g technology.
