Visa reimagines early talent development
Since June 2023, Visa Europe has revolutionised early talent training, working in partnership with Corndel College London (CCL) to launch the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. This programme cultivates and empowers the next generation of innovators and leaders within the digital payments sector.
We visited Visa’s London office to fully capture the transformative impact of degree apprenticeships. We met with apprentices, their managers, and the early careers leader. Their insights revealed a significant departure from traditional graduate training routes.
The degree apprenticeship at Visa is a powerful blend of on-the-job experience, academic learning, structured mentorship, and industry-recognised qualifications upon completion. This programme is built to propel graduates into leadership roles within the fast-paced world of digital payments and is a blueprint for the future of early talent development.
We spoke with Will Brenton, Visa Europe
Will Brenton’s journey at Visa Europe highlights how a six-month rotational Degree Apprenticeship programme can begin to shape a career from day one. “Visa was particularly attractive to me because of all the different rotations you get, every six months.” His experience spans several departments—starting from ecosystem risk to client services, and currently, the fintech account team. This diversity in roles has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of Visa’s operations, which proves invaluable in his current role as he leverages these insights to manage fintech accounts effectively.
Will shares a key learning milestone—differentiating between coaching and mentoring. Understanding these nuances has enriched his managerial skills and prepared him for future leadership roles. “I’d like to coach some people and mentor some people to make sure they fully develop into well-rounded individuals,” he states, reflecting on his aspirations to one day become a manager and foster growth and development within his teams.
Daniel Farrar, Head of Early Careers at Visa Europe, shares why apprenticeship programmes are integral to Visa. By maintaining minimal entry requirements and focusing on diverse educational backgrounds, Visa ensures that its apprenticeship programme is accessible. “Every generation that comes into the workplace has its unique challenges…For learners who successfully complete a degree apprenticeship, we want to be able to offer them an analyst role within the business and clear progression in their career afterwards.”
Will’s experience at Visa is a testament to the transformative power of Degree Apprenticeships in the workplace, highlighting how structured learning and rotational exposure can nurture the enthusiasm and ambitions of early talent in the workplace.
