Foundation Operation Apprentice Review

Prior to starting the apprenticeship I was unsure of what the daily tasks would be. My team sits within merchant services, we help with the on-boarding of merchants enabling them to set-up and use Barclay's facilities to trade. there are a variety of tasks that need to be completed daily in order to support this on-boarding process as well as a variety of 'control' tasks that ensure we are compliant with legislation. The basic daily tasks where shared with us immediately and we got straight into the role after a week of orientation within the business. I was buddied with existing team members so that the training was a mixture of watching and getting hands on.

Barclays actively encourages personal development. The apprenticeship team have kept us updated with talks and training courses to improve leadership and management skills. I developed excel skills as well as more personal skills such as time-management and the ability to confidently put myself across in meeting and presentation situations. We had a variety of tasks/goals to complete and meet set by the apprenticeship team which has ensured that all the basic and necessary skills required for our role are improved and developed to our full potential.

The programme has been mostly enjoyable, there has been an issue with the communication between apprentices and the apprenticeship team which has meant questions were left unanswered for a considerable length of time; however, on the whole the apprenticeship has been enjoyable and a good start to a career. The course chosen may be more suitable for individuals who have been at Barclay's for a few years however the challenge has been enjoyable. additionally the challenge provided has meant that picking up information and knowledge quickly is key, mimicking the fast-paced environment we work in anyway.

To begin with the organisation and structure of the programme was a concern. A lack of communication and clarity meant that we were unsure of expectations and goals in the beginning. however when these were communicated the support was easily accessible to meet the goals and the apprenticeship have improved in there communication.

Senior management have been very supportive, offering multiple sessions to interact with them and have been actively encouraging development. We were set up with mentors, previous apprentices, which has provided a insight to not only the apprenticeship programme but Barclay's as a whole. The support system has been very effective and the use of mentors has been effective as they made me feel comfortable and it was nice to have a friendly face around the building .

The training provider has been brilliant. Our coach is always available either via email, phone-call or text. He has set up extra coaching if requested and is very approachable and doesn't get frustrated if you need something explaining multiple times. The sessions are always engaging and push you into putting the examples in your own real-life experiences, which solidifies the learning.

The qualification doesn't particularly help me perform better in my current role. However the skills and tools I have learnt will be very beneficial as I develop my career. There are multiple training providers used by Barclays and perhaps a different course would be more effective in my current role, however the course I am currently doing has helped build aspirations for further development and aided network building which will help facilitate my career development

There are multiple networking events throughout the year at Barclays. There are also opportunities to volunteer and take part in citizenship events. The building I work in often has events going on in the 'street' which can be football related, health/well-being and a variety of other things. Sports teams and other activities are on a individual team basis

Yes

They are a supportive employer who encourage personal as well as career development. the apprenticeship targets encourage you to build confidence, knowledge and personable skills all of which are required for a career whether with Barclays or elsewhere. the environment is supportive and encouraging

The interview process may be lengthy but Barclay are looking for individuals who are innovative and not afraid to challenge the status quo. if you can think 'outside the box' and are willing to learn this is a good environment. Be yourself, speak up if there is something you disagree with and make sure you are heard