Barclays Apprenticeship Schemes

Barclays Apprenticeship Schemes

Off By Ed Hanna

From the armed forces to the corporate world may not sound like a natural step, but you’d be surprised how straightforward it can be. You’ll find that many of the skills and experiences you gained in your military career will prove invaluable in the work you’ll do here. You’ll also find that they have social and support networks in place. These will put you in touch with others who are making, or have made, the same transition as you.

Tim Kemp, former Aircraft Engineering Technician in the Royal Navy, joined the Armed Forces when he was 19. After five years of service, Tim left the military and joined the Barclays Degree Programme, studying Management and Leadership. He now works for Barclays as a Compliance Business Manager and this is his story.

Meet Stephen

“Before Barclays, I served in the British Army as a Corporal – a Chef in charge of catering within both the sergeants’ and officers’ messes. I’d joined the Army at 16, and I completed almost 18 years, before being medically discharged in 2015. After being injured, I knew that career was over, and I would have to start looking for a new one.

“Luckily for me, Barclays’ AFTER programme is designed to help ex-members of the Armed Forces find work within the civilian world. At one of the AFTER meetings, I found out about the Apprenticeship programmes, and I was interested immediately. This was the chance to use my skills and gain new qualifications.

“I hadn’t had a job interview since I was 16, so I was pretty nervous. I remember wondering why they’d want me over someone younger. I wasn’t even sure my skills were transferable to banking. But as the process went on, the staff worked to build my confidence, and I started to realise I had a lot to offer.

“The Higher Apprenticeship has obviously been a big change for me. After almost 18 years in the military, I’ve had to adopt my style to the civilian world. But my team and my management couldn’t be better or more experienced when it comes to guiding me in that. I’m loving every challenge that comes my way.”

Stephen, Higher Apprentice

Who can be an apprentice? Anyone. You could be 16. 60. Returning parent. Retiree. You might have disabilities. You might be an ex-soldier, a student, a carer. For us, there’s no such thing as an average apprentice. There’s no average age. No average background. No experience you need or qualifications you should have. All you need to do is find your path – with a little help from our current apprentices.

Find the right programme for you

There are two main ways to join their business as an Apprentice – Foundation and Higher Apprenticeships. Then there’s Technology Foundation and Higher, with slightly different requirements. The best choice for you all depends on your goals, your experience, and what you’re comfortable with. Find out more here.

Foundation Apprenticeship

When you’re looking to find your way in civilian life, their Foundation Apprenticeships are the path to a rewarding and lasting career. You’ll have a job with good career progression, gain work experience and a qualification, and earn a competitive salary. What’s more, lasting up to three years, this two-step programme will take you from Foundation to Advanced, and your age, background, experience and education will never hold you back. So, explore their business and take advantage of all the many opportunities ahead, from full-time roles to Higher Apprenticeships. Find out more here. 

Higher Apprenticeship

For many of their ex-military apprentices, a Higher Apprenticeship is the perfect way to start your new career. With opportunities spread across the business, this is the chance to earn as you learn. You’ll gain a university-level or professional qualification and see where your career could lead with them – all without any student debt. Find out more here.

The Barclays AFTER programme

Their support for ex-military and Armed Forces members isn’t exclusive to our Apprenticeships. In fact, across their bank, they support thousands of servicemen and women as they move into civilian life. So, when you join them, you’ll find a business that truly values your service and supports your day-to-day progress. They’ll even help you assess your skills to work out what kind of roles would suit you best as you move forward. Find out more here.

Something to declare

Maybe you’re used to applications; maybe you aren’t. Either way, there’s something important you need to talk about before you start: your needs, and how they can help. They believe that no-one should ever be held back from making the most of their talent. So, if there’s anything you think might affect your application or anything you’d like support with, all you have to do is tell them.

Diversity at heart

They’re open – and not just when it comes to apprentices. You’ll find people with different life experiences all over Barclays, ready to help, advise – or even just chat.

Latest News

This is the last chance to apply for the Agriculture Higher Apprenticeship. Details below:

Closing date: 25th May 2018

Start Date:  September 2018

Length:  Three years

Requirements:  80 UCAS points (or predicted) 2017 onwards or 200 UCAS points pre-2017 or 12 months’ work experience – plus a driving license

Highlights:

  • A mobile role among customers in food and farming industries
  • Support to gain industry-recognised banking qualifications, and gain membership of a professional body
  • A balance of academic study and a real-life agricultural banking role

About: This is Relationship Management with a difference. Join their Agriculture programme and you’ll learn what it’s like to build deep, long-lasting client relationships, specifically in the food and farming industries. Out and about around the farms and agricultural markets of your region, you’ll build a fascinating future. You’ll take pride in working with the sector that feeds the nation. Plus you’ll study for Relationship Management qualifications in the process. All with no previous Agriculture experience necessary. Please note: if you’re interested in Relationship Management but you’d rather be based in their London office, or you’d rather work for their corporate and private wealth clients, you should apply for their Relationship Management programme.

Based: Suffolk, Darlington, Leicestershire/Lincolnshire, Oxford and Kent.

Apply here.