Risk Higher Apprentice Review

My current role is in Operational Risk, where I provide review and challenge on Risk Events on a day-to-day basis. This involves assessing the events and issues against policies to ensure that this has been raised correctly, and asking questions where I feel more information is needed. I am also involved in a number of projects which require different skills, this can be facilitating workshops on new work streams, assisting the team with annual risk assessments across operational risk, reviewing more regular forums and meetings, and conducting ad hoc risk reviews or tasks.

In my last rotation in Credit Risk I developed a number of technical skills that were specific to the role, and this was particularly helpful in developing my mathematic skills and presentation skills. In my current role in Operational Risk there has been a greater focus on my soft skills such as time management and prioritising a workload, managing stakeholder expectations, and presentation skills.

I enjoy the job role in my programme because the environment is dynamic and fast-paced, and I've worked on a variety of tasks with teams across the organisation. I had previously studied for a degree prior to joining the programme, but I've enjoyed the opportunity to study for a professional qualification that is directly relevant to my role, which has aided my learning and understanding of key concepts.

Planning for both the academic aspect of the programme and rotations has room for improvement as we completed our first year of academic studies much further ahead than expected, and this has left a gap. However, this particular apprenticeship was a new course when I joined so it is not currently a mature process and this provides the cohort with an opportunity to influence the direction of the apprenticeship and improve for future cohorts.

I've worked in a variety of teams, and with colleagues across the bank and have always found my colleagues and management to be very supportive of my development, whether that is through taking the time to have one-to-one sessions or arranging shadowing days. My immediate team are particularly supportive and I know that no question is too silly to ask.

The training provider has dedicated a Talent Coach to my cohort for our development. We have monthly calls to discuss the programme, but I know that my Talent Coach is always contactable if I have any questions before our next meeting. They are always transparent about progress, and if they will be away for any reason this is communicated well in advance with alternate contacts provided should we require support.

The qualification has been very relevant to my role, particularly in terms of understanding the history of the industry, which is key as a newcomer to the business. The qualification also draws on key themes that I was introduced to via my company's internal training as part of the induction process, and additionally focuses on areas that are fundamental to my job role. It also provides a deeper understanding of areas such as legislation for which my role might not require such indepth knowledge, but helps my understanding of what I'm doing and why I'm doing it.

My company has a number of communities in which you can get involved, as well as networking events and sports and social events. I have attended a number of these such as networking sessions for junior staff to gain insight into the careers of more senior colleagues, and charity events such as quiz nights.

Yes

An apprenticeship with Barclays is a great opportunity to learn more about the industry, develop your skills and drive your career. Team work is a focus and colleagues are knowledgeable and supportive, so you have plenty of opportunity to develop a wide range of skills in a safe, dynamic and fast-paced environment. I also like that there is a strong focus on wellbeing and flexibility, as this makes the workplace more inclusive and diverse.

Be yourself, all of the staff are lovely so there's no reason to be nervous about the application process. The interview is unlike others that I've had, in the sense that they focus much more on how you felt about situations/tasks, or how much you enjoyed them, to decide on which area would be the best fit for you.