Compliance Higher Apprentice Review

My role involves dealing with employees of the bank from a compliance perspective. Ensuring they are fit and proper to conduct regulated roles at Barclays. On a day to day this involves interacting with our stakeholders and providing updates on where we are with the process as well as creating some MI data and using this to support the business in their activities.

I have learnt new skills such as how to communicate with stakeholders in the bank, how to interpret the regulations and requirements set by our regulators and I have developed my excel skills, when completing tasks such as cutting data and presenting it in different formats. I have also developed my time management skills with managing my own diary and appointments throughout the working day.

It is interesting and has given me a new insight into roles at head office in Compliance. There is lots of opportunity to network and find out more about different areas of the bank. However sometimes I feel overlooked as an apprentice in terms of the tasks and responsibilities given to me.

There does not appear to be much structure or organisation within the programme. It has taken several attempts to have basic questions answered when queries arise, this also involves speaking to multiple people and explaining the question repeatedly as no one appears to have any answers/ know how to go to for advice.

It can be difficult to establish where to find the right support/ resources. However once this is achieved there is lots of support available from Barclays to help in professional and personal work life balance. Barclays has encouraged all apprentices to use a 'buddy' scheme which was very effective when new to the role in having a friendly face to ask advice from.

I receive some support from my training provider, the majority of support and resources is online or done over WebEx calls with my talent coach. There are some face to face courses and events that have been put into place which are great, however these sessions are very limited as it is difficult to plan around everyone's diary's and workloads.

I feel the qualification I am currently completing with my training provider helps me perform better in my role, as it gives me an insight into the financial services industry - especially risk and compliance and allows me to understand how the processes and procedures that are currently in place have been implemented for specific reasons. I feel this knowledge is valuable to me not only in a professional capacity, but also in terms of giving me a better understanding of the banking industry.

Yes there are extra activities that you can get involved in. Barclays already offers a lot of extra programmes and events outside of the day to day working schedule. However if you find that you have an interest in something that is not yet available, you can also look at setting up your own activity which many have already done and get others involved which is great.

Yes

As a global transatlantic bank Barclays offers great opportunities to its employees and is a recognised brand that carries respect in the industry. Therefore I would recommend Barclays to friends, especially if they are just starting out in their careers like me as it is a great opportunity to work towards an exciting career.

Research what areas of the bank you are interested in, as this will give you a better understanding of how you will work and who you will need to network with in order to get where you want to be. It is also worth having an understanding of general office based skills, such as Microsoft ExCel - as tis is used frequently in many of the roles in the bank and will put you at an advantage.