Financial Services Apprenticeship

Tia:

I'm Tia Harding. I'm in the first year of my apprenticeship with J.P. Morgan. Today I'm going to bust some myths about apprenticeship schemes to help you get a clear idea of what they're about. Myth number one, having to live locally.

A lot of people looking at starting apprenticeship schemes believe you can only do them locally. Despite working in the Canary Wharf office, I commute from Guildford Surrey every day.

Prior to starting work, J.P. Morgan sent loads of information for piling my travel and associated costs. Being from further afield shouldn't be a deterrent.

Myth number two, being stuck in the same role. As an apprentice you might think we get stuck in the same role. Standing still, not going anywhere whilst everything evolves around you.

At J.P. Morgan this. simply isn't the case, as there's plenty of opportunities to learn about all the different lines of business and equip yourself with transferable skills. So if you did fancy a career

change, it's totally possible. Myth number three, apprentices not contributing.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that, as an apprentice, you spend your time doing work of little significance. The reality is, from the outset, you're encouraged to get involved in real projects. Within the Credit Asset class, I assist with both strategic and regulatory projects. So far, I have worked on process automation as well as different regulatory Brexit projects. I have also been given the task of putting together and proofing slides for senior regulatory meetings.

Myth number four, apprentices don't get degrees or qualifications.

From day one, you'll begin studying industry recognized qualifications. J.P. Morgan has partnered up with Russell Group University of Exeter to provide training for CSI Exams as well as a full honors degree in applied finance.

These qualifications coupled with the wealth of industry experience you get whilst on scheme I feel definitely give you an advantage over your peers who choose the university route.

Co-worker:

Shh.

Tia:

Funny, isn't she?

So that's just a few myths I hope I busted for you. I'm off home now. Good luck with your application. Bye!

Lucy:

Hi, I'm Lucy Randall. I joined J.P. Morgan through the technology apprenticeship scheme and I'm based in sunny Bournemouth. Working in Bournemouth is great. You get to be by the sea whilst also working in breathtaking surroundings, so your work and lifestyle balance is first class, just like our business.

There are a few tips that will help you throughout the selection stages of the J.P. Morgan apprenticeship. Here's a few I've put together that will hopefully give you some ideas.

Tip number one. The best preparation you can do for each stage is to carry out some research in areas such as the apprenticeship you've applied for, J.P. Morgan the company, and the financial services industry in general. A general understanding and awareness will ensure you are prepared and have a good understanding of the apprenticeship you have applied for.

Tip number two. The selection process also offers you opportunities to find out more about J.P. Morgan to help decide if it's the right company for you. Try to arrive with a few questions in mind as there'll be opportunities to interact with a range of J.P. Morgan employees, including current apprentices.

Tip number three, motivation. Demonstrating motivation and engagement is key to doing well throughout the selection process.

At the assessment center, it's important to get involved and engage with the tasks and conversations that will take place, so you can demonstrate the skills you have.

And at the insight evening, motivation and a genuine interest in J.P. Morgan and the apprenticeship you've applied for will help you make a good impression with the managers that you speak to.

Manager:

Hi, Lucy.

Lucy:

Hiya. That was my manager.

Manager:

Oh, Lucy, do you mind showing me those designs you're working on?

Lucy:

Yeah, sure.

Tip number four, attitude. The selection process is not completely based on academic ability. Your attitude and willingness to learn is also a factor, so demonstrating motivation for the apprenticeship will help you to show this.

J.P. Morgan doesn't just look for one specific type of person. The most important thing to do across all the stages is to just be yourself and be confident in your ability.

I hope that's given you a few valuable tips. Good luck with your application, and maybe we'll see you soon.

Mitch:

My name is Mitch Tucker and I joined J.P. Morgan as an apprentice. The culture and how we do business at J.P. Morgan is one like no other. I'm going to talk about what drives us, how it relates to me and how you can be part of it too.

Our culture and how we do business values is a key to the firm's success. There's 250,000 of us worldwide, all sharing that same can-do attitude, which drives us to be part of a winning team.

This can-do attitude stems from the top, which fits perfectly with being an apprentice. We are young, hungry, with a desire to succeed. This goes hand and hand with the values of how we do business.

A great team and winning culture is one of our core business principles. And that shows not only here, but also across the world. J.P.Morgan culture directly relates to me as an apprentice, as I'm surrounded by senior people and colleagues with banks of knowledge, who inspire you to keep doing what you're doing and one day, you may find yourself in one of those positions.

I develop client relationships across different levels of seniority, working partnership with multiple teams across all lines of business as a project manager and engage with key internal and external stakeholders.

I'm not just the tea boy that some people may perceive an apprentice to be, I'm in a team where I feel I add value, purpose. Not only through my work but through the initiatives that we do. Through our philanthropy and the charity work, through running careers events and just helping out the next brood of talent that come to J.P. Morgan.

People have the perception that working in a bank or an office is boring, mundane, never seeing sunlight. J.P. Morgan is quite the opposite.

Not only do we work hard, but we get to enjoy the benefits of working here. I currently play in the J.P. Morgan football team. This is a great way to build your network of friends in the bank. The state-of-the-art facility here in Bournemouth for sport and well-being is a big plus for all.

If you wanna be part of a winning team come and join us here at J.P. Morgan.

Isobel:

I'm Isobel Foley, I'm 19 and I'm an apprentice at J.P. Morgan, based in the heart of Canary Wharf, London.

I remember my first day at JPM, I was very nervous, but also really, really excited. In joining as an apprentice, you are not alone. There's 20 other people who are also having their first day, which is a great support system. Once inside, I was greeted by my buddy, which immediately made me feel more at ease.

Kieran:

Hi, I'm Kieran, I'm your apprentice buddy, nice to meet you.

Isobel:

Nice to meet you, I'm Isobel.

Kieran:

Please, follow me.

Isobel:

I'll speak to you more about the buddy apprenticeship later.

I sit on a trading floor with around 200 other people who work in FX, commodities and technology.

The J.P. Morgan apprenticeship scheme is ideal for those who are interested in a career in financial services and who want to work towards getting a degree. The fact that I get to earn without building up any student debt meant that this was an easy choice for me.

Co-worker:

Hi, Isobel, welcome to the team.

Isobel:

My team were really friendly and got me involved straightaway. I was surprised by how much responsibility was given to me as an apprentice.

The training that I was given was very thorough. I work in an FX and commodities e-client service role. We work very closely with our sales team to ensure that the client experience with J.P. Morgan runs as seamlessly as possible.

You get one allocated study day each week to work towards your qualification, as well as always time to meet your buddy.

Every J.P. Morgan apprentice is allocated a buddy. This is someone who's been through the program, and can act as your support system, and they can offer you guidance with both your career, and the study aspects of the apprenticeship.

And on the first day you get to have a tour of the building. There's a restaurant, a gym for those who do, and a sweet shop for those who don't and also a medical center, just in case, and there's a coffee shop with great views, where you can catch up with all your friends.

So that was pretty much my first day. I hope that this gave you an insight into what a J.P. Morgan apprenticeship might be like. And you never know, maybe one day, it could be you introducing a new apprentice as a buddy.

Mariam:

Hi, I'm Mariam and I'm the new apprentice.

Isobel:

Nice to meet you, I'm Isobel, I'll be your buddy. Welcome to J.P. Morgan

Francesca:

I'm Francesca Lester. I started at J.P. Morgan as an apprentice in 2014, processing trades in Bournemouth in the back office. Now, I am based in Canary Wharf, London in the front office where I have a direct impact on what trades JPM are executing on a daily basis.

So let's talk about progression and how a strong support network can help you progress fluidly from an apprentice to a role of your choice at J.P. Morgan. But first, let's start at the beginning.

I started in the back office in Bournemouth. I was placed in a trade support role where I looked after the settlement of trades for asset management. From here, I progressed to being a trader assistant and then on to the EMTN desk in the front office. Once you've started in a position on the apprenticeship, you aren't locked into that role.

I now work in the front office on the EMTN desk. I used to be in Bournemouth processing trades and now I have an impact on the deals that happen on a daily basis. On the EMTN desk, my focus is maintaining our relationships with issuers who fund within the private placement market.

We coordinate across numerous internal sales and trading desks to arrange and execute primary trades. My focus right now is in EM currency denominated issuances.

I've met some immensely valuable people during my career in every role I've been in.

J.P. Morgan encourages this kind of culture where everyone is supported both in and out of the apprenticeship with apprenticeship buddies and mentors.

From day one as an apprentice, you are fully integrated into a team. This allows you to learn and meet lots of people. This comes with the added advantage; you can ask lots of questions as people are encouraged to help the apprentice population.

Hi guys. Being equal means you can take on projects and help to lead a team. Whilst in Bournemouth, I did a STP project, Saving Heads Count, as well as verifying my team's work. Proving how as an apprentice, you are treated as an equal to your peers.

J.P. Morgan has supported me in every role I've had to date. And, I hope to keep progressing within the company. Maybe one day you'll see me heading my own desk at J.P. Morgan.

I hope this has given you an insight into how well you can progress in one of our apprenticeship schemes. Good luck with your application and progress.