Compliance Higher Apprentice Review

My current role as an apprentice is a 'Reviewer' within a 'Monitoring & Testing' team which sits within Compliance. Monitoring & Testing (M&T) are a compliance team which provide assurance to different business units ensuring they are not in breach of any conduct or reputational risks. My role as a reviewer is to actively perform tests/reviews on the different business units.

I have learnt new skills as well as developed existing skills. The new skills I have learnt are based around the financial services industry knowledge. I have learnt about the structure of risk management within these organisations, for example who the three lines of defence are and what their core responsibilities are. The skills which have been developed the most are communication skills.

Overall, I do enjoy the programme. The professional/vocational aspect of the programme is really enjoyable as it allows me to apply knowledge which I have learnt as well as having a sense of value to my team. The educational aspect of the programme is okay, at times the content can be dull, but overall, it is applicable and relevant for my role.

Unfortunately, the organisation and structure of the programme is not as effective and pro-active as the other aspects. From joining, the Compliance apprentices of my cohort have not met with our Human Resources Manager and at times we have felt like we have been kept in the dark. As we are the first Compliance apprentices Barclays have had, this is to be mildly expected as the structure is developing as we are.

The support I receive from my employer, in particular my team, is really good. Both Barclays and my work team are aware of the programme I am on and support any development requests I may have. In addition, there has never been an issue with taking my study days off. To add to that, I have also been made to feel like a valued member of the team with my line manager always asking how the studying content is progressing and whether I would like any addition professional support within my role.

Regarding the support from the training provider, we speak with our assigned representative from Knowledgepool once a month. In addition to this, we are always able to contact him on an ad hoc basis with any issues via email. It would be good if the apprentices could receive a stricter learning programme with structured workshops.

I do feel like the qualification I am studying towards (from the Institute of Risk Management) does support my performance in my role to some extent. However I do feel like it is more focused around risk management. Even though Compliance is an area of Risk Management, the content so far is not entirely applicable to my current rotation.

Barclays offer a range of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. These include social societies based on interests, sports teams and professional networking events. The professional networking events which I have attended have always been really interesting, especially when external guest speakers are presenting. In addition to these, there are also internal guest speakers from different functions, as well as your own function.

Yes

I would recommend Barclays to a friend who was considering applying to a role here at the organisation. Barclays offer great staff benefits and perks (from preferential account additions, to stocks & shares purchase abilities). In addition to this, Barclays also provide professional development by providing training courses as well as sponsoring professional certificates.

If I was to provide tips to others who were applying to Barclays for their first time I would recommend them to not be afraid to be yourself during your interview and embrace the situation. Even if you are not successful, take away the positives and learn from the negatives.