Barclays BDP- essential banker Review

by Barclays

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

4.2/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Essential banker, dealing with day to day queries from customers, such lost or stolen cards, creating transaction claims, checking limits on the account for things such as loans and overdraft. Basically I am the first point of contact within the branch and hel0p with simple queries

5/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Most definitely, more advanced knowledge on customer service. More confidence when delegating jobs to colleagues and working as a team.

5/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

At the beginning I really enjoyed the programme, however it is not quite how I thought it was going to be. I feel like the balance with the studying and work life is really hard and the amount of pressure I am under from both sides is really overwhelming. It is really does ruin the experience. Furthermore I feel like my progression is being withheld as I haven't started the process of moving up to the next role besides others who are on my course have, this is also very frustrating. Also it needs to be more clear with my management whether I am part of the head count or not as they treat me like I am, when that shouldn't be the case.

3/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is organised okay, however I feel like there is too much pressure on both sides as I mentioned before.

5/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

It varies, Like I said thye still count me as part of the head count so when I may need a bit of extra support it is hard to get that booked in. furthermore I was told to try and not book holidays within the summer as other colleagues with family get priority, which is unfair as summer is a little bit of break from studying

5/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

The support form the uni is very good, theyre always there to reassure me when I feel like it is getting to much, always there for extra support. I just feel the work isa bit too much when working full time hours and they need to accept that sometimes.

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

At the moment as I have started progressing at work, it doesn't really relate to what I am doing day in and day out.

4/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Not really or they haven't been spoken about.

1/10

9a. Would you recommend Barclays to a friend?

9b. Why?

no is maybe a bit too harsh as they are great to work for. however I just wish it was more clearer when signing up that it would be branch work. I feel like the management sometimes need to be more supportive as I feel like I repeat myself at time about my progression. Sometimes feel like the world is expected of us but don't get much in return

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barclays?

Keep your chin up, it is 3 years. It will all pay off in the end. the time will fly. Also network with other apprentices, from your year or other years. because their knowledge and support can really get you through the tough times.