Leadership and Management Higher Apprentice Review

The apprenticeship is completed in six month rotations. The first rotation (in the branch network) I worked as an essential banker. This consists of helping customers on the self service machines, booking appointments etc. I am now currently on my second six month rotation, opening accounts, general servicing, completing borrowing requests.

Coming straight from sixth form, this first year of the apprenticeship has been a massive eye opener for me. Engaging with many customers day to day has allowed me to develop my customer service skills as well as technical skills; using the systems to maximise customer satisfaction in every scenario.

I highly enjoy this programme, with constant progression opportunities and chances to excel, it is the perfect environment to develop my people skills as well as professionalism, allowing me to learn the ropes of management as thoroughly as possible. Combined with the degree, it is definitely a challenge but I enjoy this.

The programme is extremely well structured. Given the constant changes in the financial and banking industry, it is not easy to provide constant structure and promising the progression of the roles and the six month rotations. However, I have found I have only ever progressed early, further facilitating personal development.

With regular meetings regarding personal development and where I personally want to go in my career, I receive support from all angles when in the workplace. With constant tasks being delegated to build further rapports, the support from the management team within my given market has been extremely effective and massive in terms of my growth in my first year.

With a personal tutor allocated to each apprentice, the support from Anglia Ruskin University is constant. Always multiple numbers to call when needed. Nearing deadlines, there are constant reminders with support tools and links provided. When on study blocks, there are also constant points of contact for the apprentices with no hesitation to help.

With the majority of assignments linking directly to my role, using the evaluation and analysis techniques in conjunction with the multiple theories introduced/taught at the study blocks accommodating constant self reflection; allowing me to look back on specific actions and roles in the work place much more efficiently than if I was not completing the qualification.

Yes there are always new opportunities arising. I currently play 5 a side football with a work team, and always invited to attend new events across multiple Barclays sites to encourage both the social aspect (team building etc) and the professional aspect, such as attending local Eagle Lab events regularly.

Yes

Always constant room for progression and always encouraged to do so, facilitated by thorough training so never going into a task blind. With an extremely supportive management team, I always feel as though I have someone to go to and ask questions no matter how ridiculous they may seem to everyone else!

Don't try to be somebody that you're not to impress! Everyone is always welcomed based on their own personality, and with the supportive team around you there is no pressure to be somebody that you aren't. Barclays value individuality and place you in roles based off this, maximising both current performance and career potential at all times.