James Biggs, Software Developer Apprentice
I came to The National Archives as an apprentice, in order to achieve a level 4 in software development. I came to learn about how software development is applied in the workplace, pick up skills and start my career as a Software Developer.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I do all sorts! I’ve done both front- and back-end development, dealt with stakeholders, and attended meetings.
I really enjoy the technical challenges that you face day-to-day as a Software Developer, and I enjoy learning from these.
I also – surprisingly – enjoy attending meetings! I’m sure there aren’t many people who can say that about their work! The team are a lovely group of people (as well as the wider organisation) and I enjoy hearing all what they have to say.
What’s it like working at The National Archives?
Everyone is really friendly and welcoming. Although most of my time at The National Archives has been spent online (I started this role a day before lockdown), I have been received really well into the team and I’m grateful for the experience they have given me so far – even during a really tough time.
The Digital Services team is full of kind, knowledgeable workers who are always willing to help.
John Heery, Front End Developer
Why did you want to join The National Archives?
After over 10 years in commercial Web development, I was looking for a more worthwhile use of my skills and experience.
What type of work do you do?
I help build our Digital Estate, which is a variety of websites that we serve to the Public, enabling them to use our Services/Archive with the emphasis on Accessibility so our resources are as available to everyone as much as possible.
What’s it like working at The National Archives?
It’s been very enjoyable with plenty of opportunities to get involved in a wide variety of work. Everyone has been very welcoming and we all work collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes. There’s a great wealth of experience and knowledge at TNA and good communication is key to what we do. Recommended
Terry Price, Senior Interaction Designer
Why did you join The National Archives?
Working as a career designer – there had been a part of me that felt like something was missing for a while.
I got the opportunity to come to work at The National Archives as a Senior Interaction Designer in the Digital Records team a year ago.
I wanted to find a role that encompassed some of the things that are dear to me. A place where user centred design was a truism and proper user research takes place to benefit all users with differing agendas.
What type of work do you do?
As a designer in a multi-disciplined team, there is a great opportunity to get involved with lots of different aspects from attending regular user testing sessions, various forums for sharing ideas and knowledge to working with hugely talented developers.
Similarly, having the scope to rekindle my front-end developer skills has been beneficial because it has helped ground my design into a practical framework – so solutions are more considered and scalable.
I am currently working on the Find case law service which is coming up to one year since Alpha launch. Our recent focus has been to improve the editor user interface that helps our colleagues review and publish documents online. We have been applying more automation and improving user journeys. It is interesting and rewarding work when we can help save our editors time as well as streamline their workflow.
What’s it like working at The National Archives?
One of the first things you hear about The National Archives, is how friendly everyone is, it is a well-trodden catch all phrase I know, but it is so true at The National Archives. Whenever I need advice about anything; very approachable and patient colleagues are always willing to help.
Karl Kern, Lead Infrastructure Engineer
Why did you join The National Archives?
I worked as freelancer before and changed between software development and system administration/management and at the time I thought I need to change to a role which allowed me to concentrate on one aspect of IT. The National Archives looked like a challenge and offered exactly that; a place where I can bring in my wide experience but focus on one facet – infrastructure and DevOps.
What type of work do you do?
I’m responsible for our Cloud infrastructure including DevOps. My team is responsible for many legacy applications and services as well as being involved in new projects which is sometimes challenging but being surrounded by great colleagues and the possibilities to constantly expand my knowledge make up for it. The potential of personal development, working together and being supported by everybody is one of the biggest benefit.
What’s it like working at The National Archives?
Working here is never boring and can’t be called monotonous. We often liaise with external suppliers, work across the directorate and other government departments, having to adapt to different requirements of projects quickly and take ownership of our work.