Work Experience – Barclays

School: King’s Park Secondary School

Type of Activity: Work experience

Name of Employer: Barclays

Industry Sector: Financial/professional services

Target Audience: S5 & 6 Pupils

Case Study

Barclays reached out to the DYW regional team offering a 2-day work experience. Two S5 girls were selected to take part – they were on track to meet the apprenticeship/work experience conditions, and were interested in working in finance and learning more about apprenticeships.

The pupils attended Barclays’ new Glasgow campus both days of the work experience. Over the two days, pupils were given a tour of the premises, networked with various Barclays employees/departments, met Barclays current apprentices, learned the importance of transferable skills and gained a real insight into what Barclays looks for in apprentice candidates. They also gained information on CV skills, took part in Barclays related activities such as coding and were given the chance to create a presentation.

Objectives: Pupils to gain insight into apprenticeships and career pathways available at Barclays.

Results/Outcome: Pupils were invited to a 2-day work experience at Barclays impressive new Clyde Campus. Pupils gained an insight into the apprenticeships, opportunities and career pathways that are on offer at Barclays. Pupils had the opportunity to hear from Barclays current apprentices, including what to expect, recruitment and the pros and cons of doing an apprenticeship. Pupils also took part in various activities which gave an insight into different departments available within Barclays. This included considering transferable skills and coding tasks. Both pupils in attendance have since applied for apprenticeships with Barclays.

Benefits: This work experience opportunity gave pupils a greater insight into the opportunities, apprenticeships and the different careers available at Barclays. Pupils were given the opportunity to visit Barclays both days and get an idea of what it would be like to work there. This was a great networking opportunity, the pupils were introduced to various Barclays employees/departments, as well as Barclays current apprentices. Pupils were able to find out more about apprenticeships from the apprentices, which has helped aid their decision to pursue an apprenticeship.

Testimonials: “I found the experience was really good, they had lots of info sessions and group activities that were really good and they related to some of the different roles within Barclays. After the work experience, I will definitely apply for a Graduate Apprenticeship at Barclays.”

Pupil, 16, King’s Park Secondary School.