WiseStart Apprenticeships: road to success

Discover how our Apprenticeship Program is shaping the next generation of talent in Brazil. Hear from Marcela Paulino Leal, a People Apprentice, about her journey and growth, and gain insights from Marina Basualto, LATAM People Operations Lead, on why Wise invests in apprenticeship talent.

If you're looking for a program that offers practical knowledge and a springboard for a successful career, check out this blog.

What attracted you to apply for Wise? 

The forward-thinking and modern approach of Wise was what initially caught my attention. Before joining, I had just completed an apprenticeship program in another company while also working on my degree in Human Resources. I wanted a new opportunity that would allow me to apply what I was learning and continue to grow professionally. When I came across Wise, I saw a company with a mission and values that aligned perfectly with my own. The idea of being part of a team building a better, fairer financial future was truly inspiring.

My first impressions of Wise’s culture were overwhelmingly positive. I found a very open and inclusive environment that really resonates with my personal values. I felt like I could identify with the company right away and was inspired to become a part of it. The application process itself was straightforward and felt very human. It was clear that Wise is looking for people who are aligned with who they are and how they work, not just a list of qualifications.

So far, what skills have you developed?

Since starting, I've had the opportunity to significantly improve my technical skills by learning new tools like Workday, and I am gaining a deeper understanding of real-world organisational processes. Beyond the technical, I'm developing crucial soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving with greater self reliance.

I’m particularly proud of how my contributions have been valued on projects. For example, I've helped make some routine tasks more efficient and supported processes that demand a high level of organization and attention to detail. This experience has been invaluable in showing me how theory and practice fit together, which has been great for my professional growth. Being able to see the direct impact of my work is incredibly motivating and has given me a sense of accomplishment.

What's particularly invaluable is the fresh perspective apprentices bring. They aren't bound by the "that's how we've always done it" mindset. They challenge us to think differently and introduce new ways of working, which helps us stay innovative. For example, Marcela is currently working on streamlining the onboarding process for new hires. Her input has been critical in identifying inefficiencies and suggesting improvements that will create a more welcoming and effective experience for everyone joining Wise. She is also helping to manage the long-term sick leave process, ensuring a smooth and empathetic experience for our employees during a challenging time.

Program goals:

• Learn team processes: The apprentice is immersed in the day-to-day operations of their team's specific function. This includes participating in courses and real-world cases, as well as learning independently through internal guides and side-by-side sessions with team members and other functions.  A special focus will be placed on learning some end-to-end processes, in Marcela’s cases long-term sick leave and onboarding. 

• Develop essential skills: The program aims to enhance crucial competencies for the business environment. The apprentice has the opportunity to practice and refine skills such as time management, effective communication, and task prioritization, all of which are fundamental for productivity and professional success, regardless of their role.

• Get to know Wise: To ensure complete integration, apprentices participate in side-by-side sessions with various teams across the company, providing a broad view of our culture and operations. Participation in all-company team calls is also encouraged, ensuring the apprentice understands more about what we do and feels like an integral part of our organization from the very beginning.

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive learning experience, transforming each apprentice into a prepared and well-rounded professional ready for the challenges of the business world.

The skills and knowledge they gain are highly transferable. Whether they continue their career at Wise or explore other opportunities, their experience with end-to-end HR processes, time management, and professional communication will give them a significant advantage in the job market. This program is designed to be a springboard, preparing apprentices not just for a specific role but for a successful and adaptable career in the modern world.

Wise partners with Nube in Sao Paulo and BPP in the UK. Keep an eye out on their website for upcoming apprentice opportunities.