Essential banker Review

I am an essential banker who deals with maintenance of the self serve machines, work on the counter and in the banking halls. I have a quality conversations with customers to help identify their needs and wants and then link them to a moment banker who cash provide with the necessary information and then help put their needs and wants into action. Once a week I have my apprenticeship day where I do the set tasks and revise for my upcoming exam.

I have learnt many new skills as prior to this job I had never worked in a bank before and did not have banking knowledge. Due to this role I have been able to gain a large span of knowledge on banking rules and regulations and the financial services to which the bank offers to its customers. It has allowed me to build on personal skills and how to handle challenging customers and unusual circumstances.

I thoroughly enjoy my job role, however, the apprenticeship scheme attached to it has not met my expectations. The support I believed I was going to be supplied with I have not received from outside companies but my colleagues within Barclays have been very supportive. Also, the course work itself is constantly changing meaning some work you do is then not relevant to my course which means I have spent many hours working on something I no longer need.

Unfortunately due to the switch over in apprenticeship coaches from Barclays to capita meant that I had no guidance around the course for 2 months which I believe to be poor. Since it changed to Capita I receive less guidance and less frequent visits. Along with the course content changing I feel there is no proper structure attached to the apprenticeship. However, my one day a week is always provided from Barclays and they are always offering support so Barclays have proven to provide a structure and be organised around my apprenticeship scheme.

My employer is very supportive constantly asking what support and guidance I desire and how they can provide this. As well as being consistent with providing me with the 20% learning time on a weekly basis. They are also flexible in providing time for me to go on apprenticeship calls and exams.

I do not feel fully supported from my training provider, marking seems to take extensive period of time and face to face meeting appear very difficult to arrange. The practice questions I have been provide with are no comparison to the actual RBCB exam that is part of y course. When the training was with Barclays I felt I had more support.

I feel it has provided me with more knowledge of our products and how different areas within banking work and link together. Which I would not have had such an insight on if I had not done this qualification. Due to exposing me to other areas it provided me with more knowledge which I am then able to share with my customers to help identify and aid their needs and desires which without doing this I would not have been able to do as much.

Yes we have frequent social events normally a couple of times a month where we can all get involved and interact in a non working environment. There are also charity events which we are able to attend to support our local community. In regards to professional networking we are able to go on shadowing days and there are mentor systems In place which allows us to gain experience and advice from colleagues with more experience.

Yes

It has provided me with many opportunities and enabled me to have an insight into the financial industry which I am enjoying and looking to progress within my role to learn more. It provides both career and social progression which is something I am very passionate about so I would recommended Barclays.

Express your passions and personality because when working with people it is essential. If your willing to learn there is many opportunities available to you and many avenues to explore. You just need to put yourself within the heart of it and your passion will be recognised. There is lots of support available to you all you need to do is ask many people will be willing to help and nurture you.