The Retail Development Programme

I’d recommend the Retail Development Programme, purely because it is a very well structured programme that launches you into a Barclays career.
Marcus Barnes
Retail Development Programme

We’ve created this unique and innovative development programme in close conjunction with the Lord Ashcroft International Business School at Anglia Ruskin University and Nottingham Business School at Nottingham Trent University.

It’s a sponsored degree, so all your tuition fees will be paid for, and you’ll be able to enjoy a university education without incurring any debt. At the same time, it offers you paid work in our retail banking business, as you follow a fast-track route into a leadership role.

The programme
Developing you
Rewards and benefits
What we look for

The Retail Development Programme really does offer you the best of both worlds. Over the course of three years, you’ll be able to secure yourself a degree while also developing the skills and experience you need to become a branch manager within our retail network.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy the support of a wide range of people, including tutors, an academic mentor, your line manager, the programme manager and your assigned buddy, all of whom can help ensure you achieve your full potential.

The specific structure of the programme will depend on who you study with.

Nottingham Business School

This involves enrolling on a BA (Hons) Business Management (Retail Banking) degree course. After spending your first year studying full-time in Nottingham, you’ll be work-based for your second and third years (returning to Nottingham to attend two three-week study blocks).

During your studies, you’ll cover a number of modular topics including Business Resource Management, Systems and Organisational Design and Corporate Strategy and Organisational Change. At work, meanwhile, you’ll gain experience through a number of structured placements, designed to help establish you as a business professional and develop your leadership skills.

We’ll pay you a salary in your second and third years and cover your fees for the first.

Lord Ashcroft International Business School

You’ll complete a three-year BA (Hons) in Management and Leadership, but will be work-based and employed by Barclays from day one. There will be three two-week study blocks for you to attend in your first year, and two two-week study blocks in each of your second and third years.

During your studies, you’ll cover a number of modular topics including Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Realities, Career Management and Development and Contemporary Issues for Leadership and Innovation. At work, meanwhile, you’ll gain experience through a number of structured placements, designed to help establish you as a business professional and develop your leadership skills.

We will pay you a salary from the start, as well as covering your university fees for the three years.

Read more…
Marcus Barnes

Retail Development Programme

My name is Marcus Barnes. I study Business Management in Company at Nottingham Trent University.

Video transcript

“My name is Marcus Barnes, I study Business Management in Company at Nottingham Trent University. I joined the Retail Development Programme for Barclays in September 2011.

So my experiences on my first rotation so far, joining Barclays and going into the co-ordinating role within branch in Derby, St. Peters. And it is a real great opportunity to get to understand the key roles within the branch and also to gain an understanding of what sort of customers Barclays see on a day-to-day basis and help out on a day-to-day basis. It also gave me a great opportunity to start to solve customers’ problems. And now, still as part of my first rotation, I have moved into the cashiering role which involves me cashiering 9 till 5 everyday and again helping customers with their day-to-day banking needs.

My highlight so far has to be the induction week into Barclays, so, brand new in, this was after my first year of University started. First day we were invited to head office in London and I was taken back because in are first meeting I was sat with some senior management, we also got to personally meet and greet senior management from day one, so it’s been a really exciting time.

I would say every day in Barclays in the branch you are developing yourself, because there’s just so much to learn. Every single customer that comes in has got something different to deal with and it is every day you learn how to come over that problem and when a customer comes to you, and tells you their problem, you need to own that and to solve that yourself in-branch.

I choose to work for Barclays because every since a young age I wanted to be in retail banking and customer service is something that excites me. I really like to be able to help people with their needs. And also I liked to make peoples day that little bit better and obviously finance is a big worry to people. And every single day you get that opportunity to do that, and that in itself is enough for me to want to go to work in the morning.

I’d recommend the Retail Development Programme to future candidates, purely because it is a very well structured programme that launches you into a Barclays career and fast-tracks you ahead of any of your University peers – it is putting you a good two years ahead of people on similar management degrees back at University.”

Read more...

Ellisa Cryan

Retail Development Programme

I am Ellisa Cryan and I am on the Retail Development Programme. I started in September 2011. I currently work at the Lowestoft branch and I study with Anglia Ruston University.

Video transcript

“I am Ellisa Cryan, and I am on the Retail Development Programme, I started in September 2011, I currently work at the Lowestoft branch and I study with Anglia Ruston University.

My highlight to date must be seeing a different side of banking, this was through our work with the community and also raising money for Children In Need. We raised £5,000, which was matched pound for pound, and it was also a really good team building exercise with our personal bankers dressed up as Teletubbies.

I have been able to develop myself by being constantly pushed out of my comfort zone, although this seems daunting I am giving all the support I need to be able to do this, this has allowed me to reach my full potential.

I choose to work for Barclays because it is a respectable company with a global presence. In addition, the UK branch network also has many opportunities and they will always push you to be your best.

I would recommend the Retail Development Programme because it is the best of both worlds. Barclays sponsor you through a degree and you’re also given three years of invaluable work experience, which allows you to be fast-tracked into management.”

Read more...

Heather Blythe

Retail Development Programme

Hi, I'm Heather. I'm in my second year on the RDP Programme, and currently Assistant Manager at Preston branch.

Video transcript

“Hi, I’m Heather. I’m in my second year on the RDP Programme, and currently Assistant Manager at Preston Branch.

I chose to come to Barclays because it’s a really reputable company. It’s well-known globally through its sponsorship of the Premier League and also through its work with various different charities.

My highlight to date would be when my cohort did a presentation on entrepreneurships to Area Directors and Branch Managers, and the Managing Director of the Network came along. He was really supportive and at the end, stayed behind to share his feedback and it really made all the hard work worthwhile for us.

Initially, I was attracted to the Barclays brand, even though I didn’t know that much about banking. When I started to go through the application process, I started to realise that the customer was at the heart of everything Barclays was about, which really suited me because I am a peoples-person. Also the development opportunities that were offered through the Programme were really amazing and I couldn’t have got them anywhere else.

I would recommend Barclays to anybody. I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop your career, to start earning a wage and to get a sponsored degree at the same time. Throughout my time on the programme, I’ve had a lot of support with time management, being able to balance the studying and the working full-time.

Once every two weeks I have a day out of the branch, where I can spend time on my studying. Another factor that really helps is the fact that my degree work relates to my work within the branch, so I can really bring my studying to life.

The Programme has provided me with amazing development opportunities. I started off as a Cashier and I’ve developed through the roles. I’ve been an Operational Specialist, which looks after the operations of the counter. I’ve been a personal banker, so providing customers with solutions to their needs, and I’m now an Assistant Manager, looking after both counter PBs, and the overall running of the Branch.

My journey’s been amazing and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help from the Programme.”

Read more...

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At the same time as studying towards your degree, you’ll be following our own structured learning and development programme, designed to give you all the work-based skills you need. This involves building up your experience through a series of structured work placements.

Cashier

This role is a great way to develop your customer insight, as it involves identifying each customer’s needs and referring them to the right person in branch.

Personal Banker

Dealing with customers on a one-to-one basis, you’ll be using your knowledge to make their lives easier and help them get the most out of their money.

Operational Specialist

With a focus on work processes, this role offers a real behind-the-scenes look at how a branch works. The aim is to ensure processes are being followed, while also identifying ways to improve them.

Assistant Manager

As the main customer-facing manager in branch, you’ll be taking on leadership responsibilities, including motivating, coaching and developing staff.

Branch Manager

Bringing together everything you’ve learned on previous placements, this umbrella role is all about successfully driving people and processes within the branch. You’ll also be engaging with customers and advising on products including business banking, mortgages, financial planning and Premier Banking.

Read more…
Marcus Barnes

Retail Development Programme

My name is Marcus Barnes. I study Business Management in Company at Nottingham Trent University.

Video transcript

“My name is Marcus Barnes, I study Business Management in Company at Nottingham Trent University. I joined the Retail Development Programme for Barclays in September 2011.

So my experiences on my first rotation so far, joining Barclays and going into the co-ordinating role within branch in Derby, St. Peters. And it is a real great opportunity to get to understand the key roles within the branch and also to gain an understanding of what sort of customers Barclays see on a day-to-day basis and help out on a day-to-day basis. It also gave me a great opportunity to start to solve customers’ problems. And now, still as part of my first rotation, I have moved into the cashiering role which involves me cashiering 9 till 5 everyday and again helping customers with their day-to-day banking needs.

My highlight so far has to be the induction week into Barclays, so, brand new in, this was after my first year of University started. First day we were invited to head office in London and I was taken back because in are first meeting I was sat with some senior management, we also got to personally meet and greet senior management from day one, so it’s been a really exciting time.

I would say every day in Barclays in the branch you are developing yourself, because there’s just so much to learn. Every single customer that comes in has got something different to deal with and it is every day you learn how to come over that problem and when a customer comes to you, and tells you their problem, you need to own that and to solve that yourself in-branch.

I choose to work for Barclays because every since a young age I wanted to be in retail banking and customer service is something that excites me. I really like to be able to help people with their needs. And also I liked to make peoples day that little bit better and obviously finance is a big worry to people. And every single day you get that opportunity to do that, and that in itself is enough for me to want to go to work in the morning.

I’d recommend the Retail Development Programme to future candidates, purely because it is a very well structured programme that launches you into a Barclays career and fast-tracks you ahead of any of your University peers – it is putting you a good two years ahead of people on similar management degrees back at University.”

Read more...

Ellisa Cryan

Retail Development Programme

I am Ellisa Cryan and I am on the Retail Development Programme. I started in September 2011. I currently work at the Lowestoft branch and I study with Anglia Ruston University.

Video transcript

“I am Ellisa Cryan, and I am on the Retail Development Programme, I started in September 2011, I currently work at the Lowestoft branch and I study with Anglia Ruston University.

My highlight to date must be seeing a different side of banking, this was through our work with the community and also raising money for Children In Need. We raised £5,000, which was matched pound for pound, and it was also a really good team building exercise with our personal bankers dressed up as Teletubbies.

I have been able to develop myself by being constantly pushed out of my comfort zone, although this seems daunting I am giving all the support I need to be able to do this, this has allowed me to reach my full potential.

I choose to work for Barclays because it is a respectable company with a global presence. In addition, the UK branch network also has many opportunities and they will always push you to be your best.

I would recommend the Retail Development Programme because it is the best of both worlds. Barclays sponsor you through a degree and you’re also given three years of invaluable work experience, which allows you to be fast-tracked into management.”

Read more...

Heather Blythe

Retail Development Programme

Hi, I'm Heather. I'm in my second year on the RDP Programme, and currently Assistant Manager at Preston branch.

Video transcript

“Hi, I’m Heather. I’m in my second year on the RDP Programme, and currently Assistant Manager at Preston Branch.

I chose to come to Barclays because it’s a really reputable company. It’s well-known globally through its sponsorship of the Premier League and also through its work with various different charities.

My highlight to date would be when my cohort did a presentation on entrepreneurships to Area Directors and Branch Managers, and the Managing Director of the Network came along. He was really supportive and at the end, stayed behind to share his feedback and it really made all the hard work worthwhile for us.

Initially, I was attracted to the Barclays brand, even though I didn’t know that much about banking. When I started to go through the application process, I started to realise that the customer was at the heart of everything Barclays was about, which really suited me because I am a peoples-person. Also the development opportunities that were offered through the Programme were really amazing and I couldn’t have got them anywhere else.

I would recommend Barclays to anybody. I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop your career, to start earning a wage and to get a sponsored degree at the same time. Throughout my time on the programme, I’ve had a lot of support with time management, being able to balance the studying and the working full-time.

Once every two weeks I have a day out of the branch, where I can spend time on my studying. Another factor that really helps is the fact that my degree work relates to my work within the branch, so I can really bring my studying to life.

The Programme has provided me with amazing development opportunities. I started off as a Cashier and I’ve developed through the roles. I’ve been an Operational Specialist, which looks after the operations of the counter. I’ve been a personal banker, so providing customers with solutions to their needs, and I’m now an Assistant Manager, looking after both counter PBs, and the overall running of the Branch.

My journey’s been amazing and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help from the Programme.”

Read more...

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As well as taking care of your university tuition fees, we’ll pay you a salary of £12,665 (plus a London Weighting Allowance, if applicable, of up to £3,550). You’ll also enjoy a range of great benefits:

  • 21 days’ holiday during your time in-branch
  • Mobility allowance if you’re placed within Greater London
  • Pension scheme
  • Share options
  • Generous staff discounts on Barclays products
Read more…
Marcus Barnes

Retail Development Programme

My name is Marcus Barnes. I study Business Management in Company at Nottingham Trent University.

Video transcript

“My name is Marcus Barnes, I study Business Management in Company at Nottingham Trent University. I joined the Retail Development Programme for Barclays in September 2011.

So my experiences on my first rotation so far, joining Barclays and going into the co-ordinating role within branch in Derby, St. Peters. And it is a real great opportunity to get to understand the key roles within the branch and also to gain an understanding of what sort of customers Barclays see on a day-to-day basis and help out on a day-to-day basis. It also gave me a great opportunity to start to solve customers’ problems. And now, still as part of my first rotation, I have moved into the cashiering role which involves me cashiering 9 till 5 everyday and again helping customers with their day-to-day banking needs.

My highlight so far has to be the induction week into Barclays, so, brand new in, this was after my first year of University started. First day we were invited to head office in London and I was taken back because in are first meeting I was sat with some senior management, we also got to personally meet and greet senior management from day one, so it’s been a really exciting time.

I would say every day in Barclays in the branch you are developing yourself, because there’s just so much to learn. Every single customer that comes in has got something different to deal with and it is every day you learn how to come over that problem and when a customer comes to you, and tells you their problem, you need to own that and to solve that yourself in-branch.

I choose to work for Barclays because every since a young age I wanted to be in retail banking and customer service is something that excites me. I really like to be able to help people with their needs. And also I liked to make peoples day that little bit better and obviously finance is a big worry to people. And every single day you get that opportunity to do that, and that in itself is enough for me to want to go to work in the morning.

I’d recommend the Retail Development Programme to future candidates, purely because it is a very well structured programme that launches you into a Barclays career and fast-tracks you ahead of any of your University peers – it is putting you a good two years ahead of people on similar management degrees back at University.”

Read more...

Ellisa Cryan

Retail Development Programme

I am Ellisa Cryan and I am on the Retail Development Programme. I started in September 2011. I currently work at the Lowestoft branch and I study with Anglia Ruston University.

Video transcript

“I am Ellisa Cryan, and I am on the Retail Development Programme, I started in September 2011, I currently work at the Lowestoft branch and I study with Anglia Ruston University.

My highlight to date must be seeing a different side of banking, this was through our work with the community and also raising money for Children In Need. We raised £5,000, which was matched pound for pound, and it was also a really good team building exercise with our personal bankers dressed up as Teletubbies.

I have been able to develop myself by being constantly pushed out of my comfort zone, although this seems daunting I am giving all the support I need to be able to do this, this has allowed me to reach my full potential.

I choose to work for Barclays because it is a respectable company with a global presence. In addition, the UK branch network also has many opportunities and they will always push you to be your best.

I would recommend the Retail Development Programme because it is the best of both worlds. Barclays sponsor you through a degree and you’re also given three years of invaluable work experience, which allows you to be fast-tracked into management.”

Read more...

Heather Blythe

Retail Development Programme

Hi, I'm Heather. I'm in my second year on the RDP Programme, and currently Assistant Manager at Preston branch.

Video transcript

“Hi, I’m Heather. I’m in my second year on the RDP Programme, and currently Assistant Manager at Preston Branch.

I chose to come to Barclays because it’s a really reputable company. It’s well-known globally through its sponsorship of the Premier League and also through its work with various different charities.

My highlight to date would be when my cohort did a presentation on entrepreneurships to Area Directors and Branch Managers, and the Managing Director of the Network came along. He was really supportive and at the end, stayed behind to share his feedback and it really made all the hard work worthwhile for us.

Initially, I was attracted to the Barclays brand, even though I didn’t know that much about banking. When I started to go through the application process, I started to realise that the customer was at the heart of everything Barclays was about, which really suited me because I am a peoples-person. Also the development opportunities that were offered through the Programme were really amazing and I couldn’t have got them anywhere else.

I would recommend Barclays to anybody. I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop your career, to start earning a wage and to get a sponsored degree at the same time. Throughout my time on the programme, I’ve had a lot of support with time management, being able to balance the studying and the working full-time.

Once every two weeks I have a day out of the branch, where I can spend time on my studying. Another factor that really helps is the fact that my degree work relates to my work within the branch, so I can really bring my studying to life.

The Programme has provided me with amazing development opportunities. I started off as a Cashier and I’ve developed through the roles. I’ve been an Operational Specialist, which looks after the operations of the counter. I’ve been a personal banker, so providing customers with solutions to their needs, and I’m now an Assistant Manager, looking after both counter PBs, and the overall running of the Branch.

My journey’s been amazing and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help from the Programme.”

Read more...

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Our Retail Development Programme is exactly that – a development programme. We’re not looking for the finished article here. Instead we’re looking for people who have potential – specifically, the potential to be one of the future leaders in our retail banking business.

The specific application requirements differ between the two routes, as does the application process.
Nottingham Business School
This route calls for at least 340 UCAS points. You’ll need to apply through UCAS, searching for Nottingham Trent University and using the course code N200. If your initial application is successful, the school will invite you to an FLDP simulation day. Do well at the first simulation day and we’ll invite you to a second one with us halfway through your first year. This will determine whether you secure a position on the Retail Development Programme.
Lord Ashcroft International Business School
You’ll need 240+ UCAS points from your top three A-Levels (or equivalent) and five GCSEs grade A-C (including English and Maths). Click the ‘Apply’ button at the top of this page and select ‘Retail Development Programme’ when prompted.
Read more…

What we look for

We look for real leadership potential – people who can lead and challenge, be bold in their approach and yet collaborate to achieve the best possible outcome. Hear from two of our senior managers on what they are looking for from our Future Leaders.

Marcus Barnes

Retail Development Programme

My name is Marcus Barnes. I study Business Management in Company at Nottingham Trent University.

Video transcript

“My name is Marcus Barnes, I study Business Management in Company at Nottingham Trent University. I joined the Retail Development Programme for Barclays in September 2011.

So my experiences on my first rotation so far, joining Barclays and going into the co-ordinating role within branch in Derby, St. Peters. And it is a real great opportunity to get to understand the key roles within the branch and also to gain an understanding of what sort of customers Barclays see on a day-to-day basis and help out on a day-to-day basis. It also gave me a great opportunity to start to solve customers’ problems. And now, still as part of my first rotation, I have moved into the cashiering role which involves me cashiering 9 till 5 everyday and again helping customers with their day-to-day banking needs.

My highlight so far has to be the induction week into Barclays, so, brand new in, this was after my first year of University started. First day we were invited to head office in London and I was taken back because in are first meeting I was sat with some senior management, we also got to personally meet and greet senior management from day one, so it’s been a really exciting time.

I would say every day in Barclays in the branch you are developing yourself, because there’s just so much to learn. Every single customer that comes in has got something different to deal with and it is every day you learn how to come over that problem and when a customer comes to you, and tells you their problem, you need to own that and to solve that yourself in-branch.

I choose to work for Barclays because every since a young age I wanted to be in retail banking and customer service is something that excites me. I really like to be able to help people with their needs. And also I liked to make peoples day that little bit better and obviously finance is a big worry to people. And every single day you get that opportunity to do that, and that in itself is enough for me to want to go to work in the morning.

I’d recommend the Retail Development Programme to future candidates, purely because it is a very well structured programme that launches you into a Barclays career and fast-tracks you ahead of any of your University peers – it is putting you a good two years ahead of people on similar management degrees back at University.”

Read more...

Ellisa Cryan

Retail Development Programme

I am Ellisa Cryan and I am on the Retail Development Programme. I started in September 2011. I currently work at the Lowestoft branch and I study with Anglia Ruston University.

Video transcript

“I am Ellisa Cryan, and I am on the Retail Development Programme, I started in September 2011, I currently work at the Lowestoft branch and I study with Anglia Ruston University.

My highlight to date must be seeing a different side of banking, this was through our work with the community and also raising money for Children In Need. We raised £5,000, which was matched pound for pound, and it was also a really good team building exercise with our personal bankers dressed up as Teletubbies.

I have been able to develop myself by being constantly pushed out of my comfort zone, although this seems daunting I am giving all the support I need to be able to do this, this has allowed me to reach my full potential.

I choose to work for Barclays because it is a respectable company with a global presence. In addition, the UK branch network also has many opportunities and they will always push you to be your best.

I would recommend the Retail Development Programme because it is the best of both worlds. Barclays sponsor you through a degree and you’re also given three years of invaluable work experience, which allows you to be fast-tracked into management.”

Read more...

Heather Blythe

Retail Development Programme

Hi, I'm Heather. I'm in my second year on the RDP Programme, and currently Assistant Manager at Preston branch.

Video transcript

“Hi, I’m Heather. I’m in my second year on the RDP Programme, and currently Assistant Manager at Preston Branch.

I chose to come to Barclays because it’s a really reputable company. It’s well-known globally through its sponsorship of the Premier League and also through its work with various different charities.

My highlight to date would be when my cohort did a presentation on entrepreneurships to Area Directors and Branch Managers, and the Managing Director of the Network came along. He was really supportive and at the end, stayed behind to share his feedback and it really made all the hard work worthwhile for us.

Initially, I was attracted to the Barclays brand, even though I didn’t know that much about banking. When I started to go through the application process, I started to realise that the customer was at the heart of everything Barclays was about, which really suited me because I am a peoples-person. Also the development opportunities that were offered through the Programme were really amazing and I couldn’t have got them anywhere else.

I would recommend Barclays to anybody. I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to develop your career, to start earning a wage and to get a sponsored degree at the same time. Throughout my time on the programme, I’ve had a lot of support with time management, being able to balance the studying and the working full-time.

Once every two weeks I have a day out of the branch, where I can spend time on my studying. Another factor that really helps is the fact that my degree work relates to my work within the branch, so I can really bring my studying to life.

The Programme has provided me with amazing development opportunities. I started off as a Cashier and I’ve developed through the roles. I’ve been an Operational Specialist, which looks after the operations of the counter. I’ve been a personal banker, so providing customers with solutions to their needs, and I’m now an Assistant Manager, looking after both counter PBs, and the overall running of the Branch.

My journey’s been amazing and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help from the Programme.”

Read more...

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  • 2
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