Sponsorship Apprentice Review

Roles differ depending on department. The scheme is a rotational programme where you change teams every six months. Teams differ all over the company and from second year you have an influence of what team you would like to join. Day - to - day role varies depending on what team. May include engaging with clients, working with internal systems, data analytics. Daily interaction with internal employees and opportunities to network outside of daily role. Projects may be research projects, working as part of a team to meet yearly goals.

From the apprenticeship, you will gain a BA in Business Management as well as a Level 5 Manager Qualification. There is lots of internal training courses which you may have to do when joining a new department including face to face training and online training to learn how to use different systems and to learn terminology. Other skills include communication, becoming a team player, working flexibly. From my roles, my confidence has increased as you always need new people and have to communicate regularly.

I really enjoy my programme. I enjoy studying for a degree as I am able to apply what I learn in my modules to my day-to-day roles. There is also a lot of versatility with the departments you could go into and you get wider knowledge of the company that you can transfer between each department which other people in the teams may not have. The culture of the company is very inclusive and there are lots of opportunities outside of daily roles.

Programme is structured very well. There is a team in HR who are your 'go to' people with any questions as well as support from other apprentices. The induction included an overview of Visa and how the company works as well as training in Microsoft word, excel and powerpoint to learn new tips. There is also other training opportunities on the internal platform to increase your knowledge. There are regular meetings with managers to review progress. There is also a mentor scheme where you could be paired up with a more senior person who can help you with your professional development.

Visa is very supportive. We are able to get any questions we may have answered very quickly. Managers are very supportive of the programme and very willing to help where they can. Also, colleagues are very supportive with degree work and may be able to give advice which is very useful as they may have completed a degree. Also, good support from the provider if we may have any questions. Everyone is very willing to help when you need it.

Training provide are good with support, especially during Covid as there are no face to face sessions. They are responsive on e-mail and via webex. Also extra learning opportunities from a support team if you are struggling with writing assignments or need some feedback. Everyone is assigned a skills coach who is a 'go to' person for any questions which is very helpful or they can guide you to the right person to answer your question.

BA degree in Business Management has been very helpful as you are able to apply what you are learning to every day role. Also, very helpful when it comes to writing assignments as you have examples of situations, whether they are good or bad situations, you can always take away and apply some learning. Qualification has allowed me to understand more about becoming a good manager and what I would want from a manager and also what I wouldn't like.

There are lots of extra- curricular activities to get involved in. There are a number of employee resource groups including Young Professionals and Women in Business. Great for networking. There is an annual Christmas party open for all employees as well as different social events hosted by each department. There are volunteer opportunities available within working hours, which includes the local community. Gym underneath work which you can claim as a benefit. Also, lots of networking events.

Yes

Visa is a very inclusive company and there are lots of opportunities including networking and working abroad. Good bonuses and annual pay rises and a great benefits scheme with private health care, dental care, travel insurance, gym memberships. Managers are very supportive and apprentices are looked at as part of the team. Flexibility in working, good HR platform who are responsive with any questions you may have, great office space with a large canteen where the food is subsidized. Overall, great company to work for.

Be yourself, jump into everything with an open mind and be prepared to learn as much as you can. Network with everyone. Include previous work experience and life experience that has made you the person you are today when in interviews. No question is a silly question, take every opportunity that you get. Show that you are willing to learn and that you are very interested in being able to apply Business Management degree knowledge to day to day work.