Barclays has announced it is introducing Higher Apprenticeships in Agriculture to support the UK Agriculture industry and those seeking apprenticeship and development roles.

The six new candidates will gain a university level or professional qualification and the bank hopes the scheme will help the budding relationship managers specialising in Agriculture. Based across the country.

With almost 3,000 participants since launching its award-winning Apprenticeship programme in April 2012, Barclays offers a variety of programmes to suit a range of levels, interests and ages - including Traineeships, Foundation, Advanced, Bolder, Higher & Degree Apprenticeships. Through these programmes, Barclays will offer candidates the opportunity to achieve far-reaching skills, experience and insight. Enabling candidates to earn while they learn, Barclays Higher and Degree Apprentices receive 100 per cent funding, along with a competitive salary and benefits.

Mark Suthern, National Head of Agriculture at Barclays said: “We are proud to establish our first banking apprenticeship in Agriculture - we are committed to supporting UK farmers and we have a large and talented team of managers across the country. These new additions will ensure we have fresh insights and longevity and we’re pleased to develop their own skills and qualifications.”

Mike Thompson, Head of Barclays Apprentices said: “Whether 16 or 60 coming straight from school or college, or have plenty of life experience under your belt, our Apprenticeships scheme aims to provide a fantastic opportunity to move around our business, gaining a solid understanding of the commercial elements, the importance of digital, data and analytics, and how we work with customers. Our Apprentices will discover where their passions and skills lie, seeing first-hand how we join together to deliver a service to clients that they expect to receive from the UK’s leading business bank.”

The new Apprentices are:

·         Sam Youds, based in Stoke - Riverside                               

·         Ffion Parry, based in Llandrindod Wells                               

·         Zak Hughes, based in Brecon                                                   

·         Charlotte Cattell, based in Bedford                 

·         Bethan Morgan, based in Shrewsbury                                           

·         Max Riggall, based in Gloucester                                           

This Apprenticeship is part of Barclays Agriculture’s job creation, with the bank creating a small number of new roles across its Relationship Management team across the country.