Degree Programme Trainee Review

On the Management and Leadership course you are based within the branch in which you work your way around the branch doing different roles over the course of the programme. An average day to day set up would be setting up the branch for the day, interacting with customers and discussing their needs and solutions then ensuring processes are completed before heading home. Depending on the role you are doing you will specialise in different areas. For example, I was an operations manager and had to do complaince checks for the branch whilst keeping all records up to date with my actions. I would also have to find solutions or train the team up in areas which needed development.

Going through the branch network you learn a massive variety skills at different levels and are exposed to the different requirements of each role. Customer service is key and learning to have different conversations as well as being confident in your knowledge and networking are ones that stand out. Later on in the course, it is then your personal development skills and how you think to operate and engage a team also become of focus.

Overall, I enjoy the programme thoroughly as I believe I have gained masses out of the course and do not regret not choosing standard university. Nevertheless, it can be hard work particularly when you are trying to move on to the next role and the colleagues in the environmenet do not always understand your position or are not as supportive. There is a skill to learn with how you go about managing this but it felt very independlty driven rather than supported by the programme managers, reducing the sense of being on a programme.

This can be dependent on your line manager and how they value you as an apprentice, for the majority of the time I feel valued as we are a free resource for someones team. This many line managers are grateful for your support, nevertheless at points this can be detrimental as the development plan can be overlooked. The work we do as an apprentice can also sometimes not be acknowledged e.g. being an assistant manager running the branch at apprentice level but not receiveing credit. I have always had a positive response for being on the programme at networking events.

The programme initially appears very well organised and the university part is very smooth running. However, as you get further into the programme you can get lost as an individual and are not always supported through keeping to the initial structure. E.g. the timings of the rotations. The communications from programme management can also be confusing and delayed at times.

From an academic perspective very supported, all lecturuers are kind and understanding. They try their best to present the lesson in a way they we will feel engaged, particularly when we have so many lectures condensed. Barclays do provide good training in most of the roles, this can be dependent on line manager.

Again, I feel this can be dependant on the line manager as they are who you interact with on a daily basis and support your development. I felt the majority of my line managers were fully supportive and asked me on an inididual basis about my career aspirations and development within that. I feel the programme maanagement I did not have a lot of interaction with and at times communication made support difficult.

The salary can be quite difficult to work with, particularly with the nature of our programme. For example, to quickly develop and move into a new role it means you have to find an opportunity. This can mean searching further a field for a role and so incurring higher costs. To commute to London, even with allowance, was very difficult. I did calculate on the current salary, I would earn more at a supermarket which can be demoralising when you are doing a management role. Nevetheless, I do understand that I am an apprentice and so the combination of salary and sponsored degree is a massive help in itself.

I would say all events etc. have been work related. In terms of being transferable, I would say this programme develops this skill. However, a social aspect does not play a part. Unsure of the question.

Yes

The programme as a whole and the purpose of it is a fantastic idea, it has exposed me to so many opportunities. It is at times in an interview when you reflect and think I have so many on the job examples to support myself. Barclays as a company is innovative and the options to develop internally are great All programmes will need development, it is understanding that you also have to be self sufficient and make things happen as you have the opportunity to do so.

To consider your values as an individual and how they align to Barclays, as I personally truly believe in Barclays values. To also think of the future in terms of where innovation is taking us as this is key.