Following the success of its first apprenticeship programme in 2011, Visa Europe today announced that it is re-opening its apprenticeship programme to new applicants who have a passion for business and people.
There are 16 apprenticeship places available at Visa Europe: eight apprentices will join the TPS technology division to study for a Foundation Degree and a Level 4 Diploma to become ICT Professionals, whilst another will work in the Finance division and study for AAT and CIMA qualifications over a four-year period.
Visa Europe has also introduced seven Business Administration apprentices who will join the teams in HR, Strategy, Corporate Communications, Relationship Management & Sales, Risk, Compliance & Corporate Services and Marketing, bringing the total apprentice intake to 16. This intake of apprentices will commence in September 2012, helping to bring the number of people to have benefited from the Visa Europe programme to 34.
Visa apprentices gain hands-on experience and structured training in Europe's leading payments processing company, allowing them to earn while they learn. The apprenticeship scheme offers individuals a great opportunity to get a head start building a career, while achieving nationally-recognised qualifications. Those apprentices who undertake the Technology and Processing Services (TPS) and Finance Division roles will gain qualifications equivalent to a degree.
With one pound in every three in the UK now spent on a Visa card and exciting new payment technologies advancing all the time, Visa are looking for hard-working, talented, and enthusiastic applicants to help shape the future of payments and ensure the organisation's continued success
Applications for Visa Europe's apprenticeship programme are now open and will close on 20th April 2012.
"The scheme has been a huge success since it was introduced," said Adam Banks, Chief Technology Officer and Head of IT at Visa Europe. "With many young people concerned about the cost of university, apprenticeships are an increasingly popular way to gain a qualification without mounting up debt. At Visa Europe, we really invest in our apprentices because we know that they're potentially the future leaders of our business."
Many apprentices are surprised at just how involved they are with their work in Visa Europe. "The thing I enjoy most about the Visa Europe apprenticeship scheme is during each placement you get allocated a proper job that needs to be done," said one of the current apprentices, Luke Oliver. "You can see you're making a difference and aren't just left doing lesser more mundane tasks. I enjoy having this proper role as it makes you feel part of the team and what you're doing is actually worthwhile and can give you a sense of achievement once completed."
Apprentices at Visa Europe also have the opportunity to get to learn about other areas of the company through their rotations. "The number of people I meet on a daily basis is also something I enjoy, because each person has had different experiences and opinions which is valuable knowledge when working in Visa Europe," said Tanya Gutteridge, another apprentice. "The opportunity to network within the three office locations is large and would not normally be found in other companies."