Learn how an Apprenticeship in Compliance is full of opportunities

Before joining Barclays, I worked in customer service within the cash office of a bingo hall while studying Accounting part-time at The Open University. I’d always been interested in banking, and after five years in my previous role, I was ready for a change in direction. I spotted that Barclays’ Higher Apprenticeships were open for applications, and the world of Compliance really jumped out to me. 

I like the sheer breadth of roles within Compliance, as well as the deep knowledge you can grow here. My day-to-day varies quite a lot because we rotate teams, so there’s always something new to learn and I’ll have a good mix of operational and ad hoc activities, it’s actually one of the best things about my apprenticeship.

Getting to experience different roles is helping me decide where I want to take my career.

This first-hand experience is backed up by plenty of different training programmes, each one designed to improve your knowledge of specific areas in the bank. For example, one of my rotations was with Financial Crime, and I attended a two-day workshop to boost my understanding of the ins and outs of my role. The training helps to build up a clear picture of each team’s responsibilities, and gives you the chance to take everything you’ve learned and put it into action.

In every single team I’ve joined, my colleagues have made me feel welcome and included. There’s also a real focus on wellbeing here: managers make sure we’re taking breaks, getting fresh air and not overstretching ourselves. It makes this such a supportive, friendly and inclusive place to work – and I’d even say that Barclays have a culture that’s rarely found anywhere else.