Apprentice Review

VISA offers a rotational chartered business management apprenticeship meaning that every 6 months, all apprentices have the opportunity to go to a new department. Therefore, you will learn different things on a day to day basis across the programme. Giving you great perspectives of the whole organisation.

Within my time at VISA, the onboarding process offered a range of opportunuties to learn new skills and develop new knowledge. There is an introductory IT training course to get you up to date on microsoft office, then later on there is a 7 habits of highly effective people training and lastly the foundational training for client services where you develop skills and understanding into VISA's products and services.

The programme is amazing, the culture of VISA is miles better than what I had anticipated. Every colleague that I have spoken to has been very friendly and intrigued into me as an individual. If you ever struggle, your team and anyone around you is there to help. Furthermore, when in the process of doing your modules with QA, your managers, mentors and colleagues are more than willing to help you if they can. Whether that is through personal development or help with a project.

Which ever rotation you fall into, your team are heavily invested into you. You are highly valued as a prospect who can bring fresh ideas into project or just the general day to day processes. Everyone I have encountered has been highly intrigued in me and the purpose of the apprenticeship.

The programme is very well structured. In order for us (as apprentices) to manage our degree as well as work effectively. There is 1 study day a week that you can use to effectively keep up with the content and develop your knowledge. Furthermore, there is lots of support from the course providers - QA. Who provide you with a skills coach that is your first point of contact should you have any questions regarding the modules

QA (the training provider) provide a lot of support, you are assigned a skills coach who is your first point of contact should you have any questions regarding the assignment/ module. Furthermore, there is a module 'tutor' who is willing to answer any questions regarding the module and assignment - the feedback/ responses are always detailed and provide you with your answer.

Everyone at VISA is willing to help, the culture is brilliant. If you have any problems or questions regarding a task, project or even your assignment. Your colleagues and managers are there to help and will try their best to give you the answer you need.

VISA offer a very respectable salary, also should you work incredibly well during each year. There is a bonus that can be added on. Therefore, financially, all apprentices that apply to VISA should not be worried about costs :)

VISA in London is located in Paddington Central, this area is full of events and is packed with restaurants and other social locations. Furthermore, VISA has many activities including the football team, team events and other social events.

Yes

In my opinion, choosing the VISA apprenticeship over university was one of the best decisions I have made. While getting a FREE degree, you get 4 years of valuable experience that will look amazing on your CV in the future. Furthermore, once the apprenticeship is over, there are lots of opportunities in the finance and business industry where your skills will be the perfect fit.

Research the transaction industry, get some understanding into what VISA does. Enjoy the application process, do not stress over it. Lastly, know why you want to do the apprenticeship. Being indecisive will only make you stressed out over your options :)