Our UX Design Higher Apprenticeship is the best of both worlds: hands-on work with real responsibility and a fully-funded qualification as part of a four-year programme. Hear from Design Apprentice Jake and UX Designer Liam as they talk about what it’s like to join this fast-growing area at Barclays. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to make your next career move, this is where you’ll challenge and be challenged.

What first attracted you to UX Design at Barclays?

Jake:

“While I was in sixth form, we did a couple of projects around designing websites and apps, which I really enjoyed. I’d been thinking about doing a business course at university, then I started looking into apprenticeships and decided that was the better option for me. I'd read good reviews about Barclays’ UX Design Higher Apprenticeship online and I wanted to work at a large, well-known company.  You’re put through a university course that gives you a fully-funded qualification and at the same time, you get a salary with benefits. It really does offer everything you could want and more.”

Liam:

“After graduating from Product Design at Sheffield Hallam University, I spent a few years trying out different areas and I realised that UX Design was something I really enjoyed. I wanted to go somewhere with an established UX Design team so I could collaborate with and learn from senior UX designers, learning from the ground up, and be supported to take the next steps in my career. That’s what attracted me to Barclays.” 

What kind of projects are you working on?

Jake:

“Right now, I'm working on the Barclays banking app, which serves a spectrum of user needs. One project I really enjoyed working on was around developing a new feature called ‘Wallets’. I had to do competitor analysis and present to one of the managing directors and their team, which was a great experience.”

Liam:

“I tend to work on projects that involve tweaking an existing product or creating something completely new. To start, we’ll work collaboratively and come up with many ideas that could work to solve the given problem. We’ll then shortlist the best five ideas to develop further. Throughout, we work closely with our stakeholders and tech teams to make sure we’ve got everyone’s input. It’s important that the whole business has a voice. That’s how we’re making the digital experience the best it can be.”

What skills do you need to work in UX Design?

Liam:

“You need the energy and passion for solving problems, and an eye for design. If you've got that, then the rest will follow. UX Design is very user focused. There's the creative side and the problem-solving, but it’s also important to understand users at a psychological level.

Jake:

“People from design or psychology backgrounds would be particularly suited to this but as long as you're interested in technology, you'll thrive here. One of the most important things that helped me was being good at speaking to people. And then if you work hard that’s recognised.”

How are apprentices made to feel part of the team?

Jake:

“I've enjoyed getting stuck in and doing the actual projects. I was also impressed that we get the same rewards and benefits as other employees, like a good pension and access to discounts and offers. There’s a recognition poll, which gives you points towards vouchers. They also have a couple of share schemes, which give you shares at a discounted price.”

What advice can you share with anyone who’s thinking about applying?

Jake:

“Do your research, prepare for the interviews, and be confident in yourself.  When you first join, put time aside to get to know people. The networking part, especially at the early stage of your career, is important. On an apprenticeship, you're getting the experience, getting paid and being put through university. For me, it was a no-brainer.”

Liam:

“Just go for it. Put your heart into it and enjoy the experience. You've got nothing to lose. The apprenticeship could lead to a full-time role and you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills outside your role. If you show you're interested and passionate, then Barclays will offer you the opportunity.”

Discover more

Whatever your career journey so far, there's a Barclays Apprenticeship for you. Find out more about our UX Design Higher Apprenticeship here.