Compliance Higher Apprentice Review

I currently work in the Data Privacy team in the compliance function (in my first rotation). My role includes acting as the secretary for our monthly forum, creating training packs for the wider business, creating reports to help management identify areas of weaknesses, creating the teams SharePoint site from scratch, attending meetings as a team and leading meetings myself.

I have learnt how to use applications such as OneTrust, breach reporting tools etc. i have learnt how to create websites and edit the Barclays internal site. I now also have knowledge of what DPIA's are, the consequences of data breaches on the bank and individuals. Outside of data privacy, i have good general knowledge of compliance, for instance i have learnt what credit risk, reputation risk, market risk is and how each team helps mitigate these risks.

I enjoy my programme a lot. I think we are given the perfect amount of work - enough to keep busy but not to the point where it becomes overwhelming and stressful. I enjoy the responsibilities that have been handed to me from day one and feel like a valued member of my team. I particularly thrive of the hybrid working (going in only one day a week and more if i choose) as for someone who has to commute this makes it easier. I am given complete freedom on managing my own workload in terms of deadlines and when i want to do things which again further takes pressure off of me.

Before joining i think there was a lack of communication in terms of start dates and who our training provider was going to be. However now on the programme i feel really settled in and supported by two talent coaches (one external and one internal), my line manager and my wider team. I know when all my deadlines are for assignments well ahead of time and have had a series of calls to discuss what to expect later down the line.

I receive a lot of support. I have an internal talent coach where we have recurring meetings, i also have a mentor where i meet with her biweekly to discuss the work side of things. We also meet as a cohort with the apprenticeship coordinator once a month where we can raise any issues. My line manager is also hugely supportive.

We do receive support from Kaplan and the ICA when completing our assignments. For instance, Kaplan holds sessions on how to Harvard reference our assignments and how to o critical analysis within our essays to ensure we get the best marks possible. We attend the ICA virtual tutorials and classrooms which again helps us with the actual learning material of the qualification.

I feel that the ICA diploma is quite useful for my role in compliance as a whole (not necessarily for my current rotation in data privacy). The diploma gives us knowledge of the purpose of compliance and how regulators work in the financial sector. It has also developed my knowledge of risk appetites and other specific terminologies.

Yes, i am involved with netball club. There are over 30 clubs to get involved with in the London office and there has been 3 socials so far (one for apprentices/grads and the other for the whole compliance function). The team goes out together to socialise and network which is also really nice.

Yes

I feel Barclays is a really prestigious bank that gives you the opportunity to work in many different teams and departments if you wish. The apprenticeship itself enables you to gain a globally recognised qualification and is at a level 6 which is equivalent to a degree so it does not hold you back whatsoever like some may think if they do not go to university.

Be yourself in the interview process and ensure to do lots of research especially noting down our values and what they mean to you/why you resonate with them. I would also recommend reading articles on the financial services industry as a whole to develop better commercial awareness and demonstrate a passion for working within the industry.