Five minutes with: Mike Thompson, Head of Apprenticeships at Barclays

Mike Thompson, Head of Apprenticeships at Barclays and member of the Prime Ministers’ new Apprenticeship Delivery Board, talks about the challenges of taking on apprentices.

What can HR departments do to ease in apprenticeships to the company culture?

We offer a traineeship programme to help prepare candidates with limited work experience and qualifications for the workplace prior to their assessment - including skills training and a week’s work experience placement. This also gives candidates the chance to experience the culture and values of our organisation first hand, prior to their final assessment and offer. 

What are the main challenges for companies hoping to take on apprentices this year, and in the future?