Start Your Future in Banking/Financial Services
EXPLORE HOW MONEY MOVES, HELP BANKS RUN SMOOTHLY, AND GET PAID WHILE YOU LEARN
The INCAP Banking Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Program (AP) gives high school students hands-on experience behind the scenes of the banking industry. Apprentices learn how banks process transactions, manage accounts, support lending activities, prevent fraud, maintain records, and keep operations running safely and efficiently.
Learn how banks process transactions and manage customer accounts
Support digital banking systems and operational processes
Explore fraud prevention, compliance, and cybersecurity
Build skills that can lead to careers throughout the financial services industry
What You'll Earn
- High school diploma with Employment Honors Plus seal
- INCAP credential, recognized by every bank in Indiana
Is This Apprenticeship Right For You?
This could be a great fit if you…
Enjoy solving problems and improving processes
Like working with numbers, technology, or business systems
Pay attention to details and accuracy
Are interested in banking, finance, compliance, or cybersecurity
What You'll Actually Do
KEEP CUSTOMER INFORMATION ACCURATE AND SECURE
Verify and update customer information
Maintain customer and account records
Support account servicing activities
Protect confidential customer information
MOVE MONEY SAFELY THROUGH THE BANKING SYSTEM
Process deposits, payments, transfers, and withdrawals
Learn how ACH transactions, wire transfers, checks, and electronic payments work
Identify transaction errors and corrective actions
Support accurate and compliant payment processing
SUPPORT THE TOOLS CUSTOMERS USE EVERY DAY
Support online and mobile banking services
Learn authentication, encryption, and monitoring safeguards
Identify cybersecurity risks
Apply digital fraud prevention procedures
PROTECT CUSTOMERS, EMPLOYEES, AND THE BANK
Learn banking regulations and consumer protections
Support fraud prevention activities
Understand audits and internal controls
Protect customer information and privacy
HELP BANKS RUN EFFICIENTLY
Reconcile operational records
Monitor operational and financial reports
Identify trends, discrepancies, and processing issues
Participate in process improvement initiatives
KEEP CUSTOMER INFORMATION ACCURATE AND SECURE
Verify and update customer information
Maintain customer and account records
Support account servicing activities
Protect confidential customer information
MOVE MONEY SAFELY THROUGH THE BANKING SYSTEM
Process deposits, payments, transfers, and withdrawals
Learn how ACH transactions, wire transfers, checks, and electronic payments work
Identify transaction errors and corrective actions
Support accurate and compliant payment processing
SUPPORT THE TOOLS CUSTOMERS USE EVERY DAY
Support online and mobile banking services
Learn authentication, encryption, and monitoring safeguards
Identify cybersecurity risks
Apply digital fraud prevention procedures
PROTECT CUSTOMERS, EMPLOYEES, AND THE BANK
Learn banking regulations and consumer protections
Support fraud prevention activities
Understand audits and internal controls
Protect customer information and privacy
HELP BANKS RUN EFFICIENTLY
Reconcile operational records
Monitor operational and financial reports
Identify trends, discrepancies, and processing issues
Participate in process improvement initiatives
Typical Apprenticeship Timeline
11th Grade
3 days/week at employer and 2 days/week in school
Paid work $12–17/hour
Summer
Summer hours are highly encouraged and should be agreed upon between the apprentice and employer
Paid work $12-17/hour
12th Grade
4 days/week at employer and 1 day/week in school
Paid work $12-17/hour
At completion, graduates have three options
Start your career in Banking/Financial Services
Continue learning in college
Keep training in an INCAP adult program
Schedules may vary based on your employer.
Real Jobs You Can Land After This Program
The Banking Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Program prepares students for a variety of banking and financial services careers by combining real workplace experience with industry-specific training. Common roles INCAP graduates are prepared for include:
Banking Operations Specialist
Branch Operations Assistant
Teller
Customer Service Representative
Loan Officer
- And many more
Trusted by Banking/Financial Services Employers
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Apprenticeship spots are limited and based on where you live, and opportunities are not listed online. Your school counselor or regional INCAP Connector can help you explore your options.
Common Questions
Program Basics
How much do Banking Operations Specialist apprentices get paid?
INCAP Banking Operations Specialist apprentices typically earn between $12 and $17 per hour, with the exact rate depending on the bank. Because Banking Operations Specialist apprentices are employees of the bank, they fall under their employer's policies for benefits, performance reviews, and pay increases over time.
When does the apprenticeship start and how long does it last?
Students begin exploring banking careers as early as 8th and 9th grade through career exploration activities and planning with their school counselor. Students apply and interview when they’re in 10th grade.
The INCAP Banking Operations Specialist officially begins in 11th grade and lasts two years.
What does a typical weekly schedule look like?
An INCAP Banking Operations Specialist apprentice follows a weekly schedule that changes over time as apprentices gain experience:
11th grade: Three days per week at the bank, with the other two days at school
Summer after 11th grade: Summer hours are highly encouraged and should be agreed upon between the apprentice and employer
12th grade: Four days per week at the bank, with one day at school
When Banking Operations Specialist apprentices are on-site, the goal is six-hour days, typically from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with schedules set in coordination with their employer. Students and employers work together to identify schedules that meet both parties' needs, allowing students to potentially continue participating in extracurricular activities, including those that take place during the summer.
What is the work environment like?
INCAP Banking Operations Specialist apprentices work in real banking settings such as bank branches and corporate offices. The environment is professional and customer-focused, where apprentices work alongside operations teams, lenders, customer service staff, managers, and other banking professionals.
Banking Operations Specialist apprentices should be comfortable working in a corporate setting that requires attention to detail, professional communication, and problem-solving.
What You'l Learn & Earn
What skills will I learn?
As part of the INCAP Banking Operations Specialist apprenticeship, you'll develop skills in:
Account administration
Transaction and payment processing
Digital banking operations
Financial data monitoring and analytics
Compliance and fraud prevention
Communication, teamwork, and professionalism
What classes will I take?
Students will not be required to take any banking-specific courses at their high school because all relevant coursework will be taught to apprentices during their time at the bank. The only requirement for students is that they are able to complete the high school classes they need to graduate and fulfill the work-based learning hours required by the apprenticeship.
What will I earn when I complete the apprenticeship?
Through this apprenticeship, students will meet the key requirements for Indiana’s new Employment Honors Plus diploma seal: completing at least 650 hours of work-based learning and earning an INCAP credential, which is recognized by the Indiana Department of Education as a Credential of Value. The diploma seal and the INCAP credential are recognized by banks across Indiana as indicators of industry experience, and the INCAP credential may count toward college credit in a related degree program.
What Happens Next
What jobs can I get after completing the Banking Operations Specialist apprenticeship?
After completing an INCAP Banking Operations Specialist apprenticeship, you will be prepared for a wide variety of entry-level or senior-level specialist positions (depending on the size of the bank), such as:
Banking Operations Specialist
Branch Operations Assistant
Teller
Customer Service Representative
Loan Officer
- And many more
Many Banking Operations Specialist apprentices are hired directly by their employer or continue working within banking after graduation.
What are my options after the program?
After completing an INCAP Banking Operations Specialist apprenticeship, you have several options:
- Start working full-time in banking
- Go to college and potentially finish a business- or finance-related degree faster with earned credits for your INCAP credential
- Continue with the INCAP Career Program for adults to work toward a professional degree equivalent to an academic bachelor’s degree
The Banking Operations Specialist apprenticeship helps students build a strong foundation within multiple careers in banking and business.
Applying And Getting Started
When should I start preparing for this apprenticeship?
You can start preparing for an INCAP Banking Operations Specialist apprenticeship in 9th and 10th grades by exploring careers, attending career-related events, and talking with your school counselor.
If you’re interested in a Banking Operations Specialist apprenticeship, you should work with your school counselor to update your four-year graduation plan. Then, you can apply for available apprenticeships.
Because opportunities vary by location and are not listed online, your local INCAP Connector and school counselor will guide you through the application process and help you find available openings.
How do I find available apprenticeship opportunities?
Banking Operations Specialist apprenticeship opportunities are not listed online and vary by location. To find available opportunities, talk to your local INCAP Connector or school counselor.
Where can I find more detailed information about this program?
If you or your family wants a deeper look at the INCAP Banking Operations Specialist apprenticeship,
you can review the full occupation profile and a detailed student journey, which walks you through what to expect from early career exploration through graduation.
- Occupation Profile (PDF, 2 pages)
- Student Journey at a Glance (PDF, 1 page)
These documents include detailed information about responsibilities, schedule, requirements, and career pathways.