Barclays Partners with 探花约啪 Tech to Prepare Workforce Students for Career Success
December 4, 2025
Thirty-seven 探花约啪 students gained valuable career experience during a professional development workshop hosted by Barclays U.S. Consumer Bank at its headquarters in Wilmington on Nov. 6.
The event, held as part of Barclays’ Make a Difference initiative, connected students from 探花约啪 Tech’s Workforce Development and Community Education Rapid Training Program with Barclays employee volunteers for an afternoon of networking and interview practice.
Workforce Development’s Rapid Training Program provides free, short-term training — typically eight to 16 weeks — for unemployed or underemployed individuals preparing for in-demand careers in health care, early childhood education, skilled trades, and more. Students at the event represented programs from all four 探花约啪 Tech campuses as well as two satellite training centers.
After opening remarks from Cindy Williams, head of business management at Barclays, and Dr. Lora Johnson, vice president and campus director at 探花约啪 Tech’s George Campus in Wilmington, students were paired with Barclays employee volunteers who conducted mock interviews and provided feedback on communication skills, body language, and professional presentation.
“Community service is one of our primary tenets, and one of the most important ways we live that out is through life skills development,” Williams said. “It’s about helping people gain the confidence and skills needed to secure employment and thrive in the workforce. Pick up what you can today — communicate, ask for feedback — and take these lessons with you as you move forward.”
Dr. Johnson thanked Barclays for its long-standing support, noting that the partnership began in 2019 with a $150,000 donation and has since grown to more than $2.6 million in total contributions.
“Thanks to this support, we’ve trained a total of 935 students across more than 25 different programs,” Dr. Johnson said. “We're proud to partner with Barclays and grateful for the contributions that they've made to the lives of people in 探花约啪.”
Students said the mock interviews offered valuable insight.
Marvell Watts, an HVAC student, reflected on his experience: “I came here wanting to improve my communication skills — and I was matched with Jen from corporate communications. The universe really aligned. This was absolutely worth it.”
The event closed with remarks from Barclays’ Chief Development Officer Peter Gasparro.
“Not everyone’s journey looks the same,” he said. “Find your path and be the greatest you can be within it. And most importantly, make sure you’re happy. When you work with really good people and enjoy what you do, it fulfills you both in and outside the workplace.”
For 探花约啪 Tech students, this event provided not only professional skill-building but also the encouragement to pursue their next chapter with confidence.
View photos from the .
