140 young people have graduated from their apprenticeships today at a ceremony held at the House of Commons. The event celebrated their hard work and success following the completion of the apprenticeship programme at Barclays.
The apprentices attended the event with family and friends, and received certificates to mark their achievements alongside Antony Jenkins, Group Chief Executive of Barclays and Nick Boles MP, Minister of State for Skills. Nick Boles MP, spoke at this year’s ceremony and congratulated the young graduates. The young people in attendance will receive a range of qualifications including Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships, with 28 of those graduating have been on the three-year degree programme at Barclays.
The graduates gained their qualification by working across various divisions at Barclays including Barclaycard and Wealth, as well as branches, contact centres and within operational teams. They are all now guaranteed permanent jobs with Barclays. There are now over 400 young people who have successfully graduated from the apprentice programme, plus a further 65 from the degree programme at the bank.
Mike Thompson, Head of Apprentice Programme Barclays said: “Today gives us the opportunity to celebrate the hard work that our apprentices have done over the last year. We have been constantly impressed by their commitment and diligence and are looking forward to watching their careers progress with us. Today also highlights the importance of apprenticeships. Barclays will continue to invest in them as an important way of bringing new talent into the business. We encourage more businesses to take on apprentices and work with schools to ensure that all young people are aware of this important route into employment.”
Nick Boles MP, Minister of State for Skills said: “I would like to congratulate all the young apprentices who graduated today. It is a testament to their hard work and achievements over the last year. I believe that apprenticeships are key in helping young people enter employment and get the skills employers need. That’s why the Government is committed to supporting businesses as they set up apprenticeship schemes and hire local young people. The Barclays programme is an example of what can be achieved and I urge more businesses to consider taking on an apprentice.”
Ross McMahon, Barclays apprenticeship graduate said: “I’m really excited to have graduated from my Barclays apprenticeship. I’ve loved the training and experiences I’ve been given over the last year and can’t wait to start my new role. When I decided not to do A Levels I was actually a bit nervous about how it might affect my future. But, now I feel really confident that I’ve got a career I can be proud of.”
Barclays began recruiting apprentices in April 2012 as part of a major programme focusing on the quality of apprenticeships. It aims to help 2,000 young people with no prior experience or qualifications get into work in Barclays. The scheme provides full pay from day one, equivalent to a new joiner and ensures dedicated training towards recognised qualifications and regular mentoring.
To find out more about the programme, and how to get involved, visit our website www.jobs.barclays.co.uk/apprenticeships or telephone 01928 703974.