Trainee Assistant Manager- Relationship Management Review

The apprenticeship I am doing is called “Relationship Management” which focuses on the bank’s relationship with its clients and how to strengthen them. The division I was allocated into is real estate finance and I’m on the client coverage side which means I arrange client meetings and dinners and I go and discuss loan applications and loan proposals with clients face to face, I open various accounts and complete RAROE (risk assessment return on equity) and PFG models to ensure that the client’s proposed loan is viable and doesn’t pose too much of a risk to the bank. I speak over the phone with customers and I help them with any general questions or queries (for example; one customer couldn’t access her BankLine account and I had to reset it for her).

I have learnt to think analytically and practically when a customer raises an issue or concern. I have also learnt how to structure my workflow between day-to-day work, study for exams and charity based apprentice work. I have developed my social skills (both internally and externally from the workplace) which means I can communicate more efficiently to suit the needs of customers.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme. The training itself is structured in a way that makes it easy to understand. I am constantly supported throughout my apprenticeship which makes working life, studying and passing exams a lot easier.

My colleagues at RBS made me feel completely welcome and always offer advice or assistance if I struggle with any aspect of work. The working environment made me feel nervous at first, however with the support from my employer, other colleagues and my training provider I feel comfortable that I can flourish in my professional career with RBS.

The programme is well structured. You are given an Individual Learning Plan at the start of your apprenticeship so you know what to expect and when to expect it. The virtual learning environment is clear and easy to understand, and the learning webinars make the information in the text much easier to understand.

We are supported constantly throughout the programme, and I have a number of different emails and points of contact in case I have any questions or issues. The training provider give clear responses and are always quick to resolve any issues.

If I have any problems I can always report to my employer. They provide support on a confidential basis and anything which is said to them is always taken seriously and resolved immediately.

The salary is excellent and meets the cost of living brilliantly. RBS do not give apprentices the minimum wage, but instead give us a salary package that helps us understand our worth as apprentices almost immediately.

Outside of work, there are a number of different oppertunites if I chose to leave RBS. There are plenty of other banks I could go to, and a number of financial jobs such as asset management. Having a financial qualification creates endless oppertunities in the growing world.

Yes

They value their employees and are always looking for new ways to develop programmes (such as apprenticeships) and help the other employees continue with learning (such as the continuation of professional development programme).

Research RBS's values and think about how they apply to you as a person. You need to have a definate interest in how the financial system operates, but you must also enjoy interacting with other people on a daily basis (this is key when considering customers).