Apprentice Software Developer Review
at Barclays
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering, Data Analysis
Glasgow
Review Submitted: April 2025
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
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
I work in the data science team. My role varies from writing code to analyse data, contributing to building a platform, or supporting users. I also work with no-code tools to modify data to gain insights for users. I write SQL and Python code to read data from a range of databases.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Very much. It's never a boring day at work. There's always something exciting to work on. Even if a task is not interesting to work on, it often contributes to something integral to clients or colleagues, giving me motivation throughout.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Data analysis - especially Python and SQL
Communication - communicating with tech/non-tech colleagues and adjusting my communication style accordingly
Professionalism - including conflict management and leading meetings
Communication - communicating with tech/non-tech colleagues and adjusting my communication style accordingly
Professionalism - including conflict management and leading meetings
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I like the Year 1-2, Year 3, and Year 4 structure. I get regular communication from programme leaders, with direct communication being encouraged in between info sessions. The transition post the apprenticeship, however, could be made more clear.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Plenty of support available, be it from colleagues, line manager, or programme mentors. No matter how simple or complex a question is, I can always find an answer in an open, welcoming environment.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
So much support, be it flexible learning, 1-1 sessions, or Q&A sessions. I also like group coaching throughout a module. Module briefs might also change depending on apprentice feedback if some aspects are hard to meet.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
While not every module is directly linked to my role, I can apply various principle and techniques learnt to my day-to-day role. It sometimes requires some guidance from my mentors, but I can often apply what I learn easily on my own.
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
Yes, so many! Networking events with senior leaders are available. There are almost 50 sports, arts, and food clubs available to choose from too. Most events about a specific topic (e.g. AI, data governance, etc.) have a networking session afterwards.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Barclays to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great place to work. Flexible working, nice campus, higher-than-average compensation.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barclays?
Mindset and attitude over skills and qualifications!
