Agricultural Higher Apprentice Review

I am an apprentice relationship manager for agriculture. Some days may be spent in the office writing up call reports, submissions in IBM, writing up cases for enable. The other half of the week may be spent travelling around having meetings with the customers. One day a week I get off to do my studies so that involves me just keeping up to date with the current uni topics.

I have learnt a lot of IT skills as I am not the most competent computer user. As I did not study subjects such as business studies or economics, therefore skills like understanding accounts are completely new to me. Being personable is the main skill I have developed as my previous jobs have always involved working with the public.

Its great, I really like the people I work with, I have two 'buddies' who I enjoy working with a lot. I don't enjoy working at a desk all day o this role suits me perfectly as half the time its out and about interacting with customers and colleagues.

I think as we are the first cohort doing this programme, its difficult for anyone to know what the correct structure is. I believe within my team its not very structured however with the university course and the Cert bb&c exam they are very organised and it follows a clear structure.

I have all the support I need from my line manager. I have a one to one each month and feel as if I can call him whenever to discuss any problem I may have. My main support comes from my 'buddy' who from day to day supports me in whatever we are doing.

LIBF have been great so far, the online portal for the information is easy to use and very formative. We get one week at uni to start the topic off then learn from home however can email or call whenever and so far it has been a quick response and a helpful answer.

I have only completed one module at university which was financial markets and risk and this wasn't relevant at all to the day to day job role. However I have now started the next module which is relationship manager which is therefore directly specific. Also I am currently revising for my Cert bb&c exam which is also very specific to information needed for the job.

Yes I love football and play for Framlingham Football club. May have been my most inconsistent season is terms of training and playing but next season looking to change clubs and start playing properly again. I also enjoy going to the gym and try to go at least 4 times a week.

Yes

Within my team there is freedom and you are not micro-managed. Therefore you are treated in a way that you are trusted to get on. There is also great opportunities within Barclays to progress higher which s important to keep motivation to perform at highest level. Not only progression but there are so many variety of jobs as well within Barclays.

Be confident in the application process, as the online interview and the assessment centre day can be daunting and may make you feel out of your comfort zone but that's the same for everyone so justbe yourself and stay confident. Also ensure that you know about Barclays and have in depth knowledge on the role you are apllying for.