Operations manager Review

I am currently completing my third rotation in the branch as an operations manager. i work within the branch network and i am in the city centre branch. I work with the management team to look at ways we can help to grow the branch and improve customer experiences through observations and other methods.

I have learnt many new skills and gained vital knowledge. i have learnt how to observe staff and give feedback to them on better ways to help our customers. I did this through learning from other managers as well as building on from my experiences whilst completing other roles within the bank. I have learnt how to give and receive feedback and develop on that. I have learnt the main functions of the bank and how the branch runs on a daily basis.

The programme is enjoyable as it offers you a good mix of work expereince whilst completing a degree. There is a lot of work to be completed but it is manageable and you are given time to complete the work. There can be alot of challanges in the programme but they are manageable and the support in the branch i very good.

The programme on paper is structured very well but the communication and understanding branches is often varied. A lot of managers are unsure of the programme structure and don't have much contact with the early careers team. The understanding around how the apprenticeship ends is also not very well communicated.

Within the branch, the support from all managers is very good and they will always try to help in anyway possible. They help you manage your work and give you assistance when required. The early careers team don't have much contact with us and can be difficult to get hold of when you need it.

The support from anglia ruskin is very good. you have regular 121's and always have someone to contact when you need to. You get regular email contact as well and have a disgnated tutor to contact. You can view feedback on all reports and have the contact details of the tuotr to help get extra feedback or support.

The majority of the topics we learn about do or could be beneficial at work. The topics are all related back to Barclays and some realistic situations and scenarios are used to give better understanding within the workplace. Topics such as finance give you the knowldege and understanding of cash management.

There aren't any specific sports or clubs to get involved with but there are various professional events you can run or host. These include digital innovation conferences or fraud and scam events. These are great for the community to help them learn and protect themselves but great ways for staff to work together and help educate within.

Yes

The programme is a great programme which gives you the oppertunity to gain vital work experince whilst also completing a degree with manageable time. The time spent in the branch gives you a good balance of working with customers as well as the knowledge of how the branch functions daily.

Ensure you have the time and the commitment to complete a full time working role whilst also completing a degree. Whilst the time is manageable, you need to be prepared to put in alot of extra hours in the evenings and weekends to ensure you have the best chance for success.