Debt Management Apprentice Review

I am a Debt Management Apprentice and we will complete 3 6-month placements over the course of our apprenticeship. Currently, I am working on The Hub team which deals with all of the post that comes into the bank and distributes it to the apropriate teams.We also produce reports quality checking and ensuring that apropriate deals have been put in place for the customer.

I have learnt many new processes and learnt to use a lot of different banking computer systems. I can action goneaways (mail returned) apropriately using Debt Manager, I can produce control reports accurately and have received an AYIC pass when quality checked. I have the knowledge to post sort and send off to the relevant teams. I have also called customers asking if they have changed address as mail has been returned.

I enjoy the apprenticeship programme as we have learnt a lot of new things in such a short amount of time. I feel that we have experienced a real working environment but at the same time have been coached to complete the processes properly. I also enjoy how we have been buddied up with another apprentice.

I feel that RBS have been very keen to launch the apprenticeship programme successfully and have set up many meetings with important people within the Bank. We have good support and we know who to contact regarding the programme. Sometimes I feel we are treated differently to those who work on the time and sometimes are a bit patronised.

As I have said previously, I feel that the Bank is very supportive of the programme and want it to be successful. However, because it is their first year of having such a large intake of apprentices, I feel we have been a bit of a guinea pig year because they did not know quite how it would work. Once everything was set up, it has run smoothly, it was just at the beginning we didn't know how the structure of our working week would incorporate our college work.

Our learning provider has been very communicative via e-mail and we have had monthly phone calls. We have had 7 weekly 3-hour lessons where we covered all the topics the exam is based around. Our teacher is readily available to e-mail questions and we know how to contact them. They have been prompt in replying to queries. One thing I would say is that the deadlines are quite short with paperwork etc.

RBS give us 3 and a half hours a week for study time and allow us to complete our online lessons within work time. They also allocate us time to complete any paperwork required and our manager happily ensures we are progressing, taking part in our routinely phone calls. They have also given us the day off for our exam. A lot of support has been given.

We have started off on a good salary for our age, however I am unsure whether there is scope for it to increase as we continue our prgramme.

Rbs are heavily involved with many charity events. They have regular samosa and cakes sales for charities. We also have casual dress every Friday where we contribute towards varying charities. They listen to their employees and allow them to choose the charities that the proceeds go to. They are also doing a charity run in Birmingham that employees can participate in.

Yes

My experience of working for RBS so far has been very positive. I believe they are very supportive and are willing to cater to your needs. I have received good training for my role and have learnt a lot, on a good package. I have enjoyed working with both the apprentices and my team and believe they are a good organisation to work for.

I would say take your time completing the rigorous application process and be prepared if you get an interview. Also, I would say to read up on the roles on the website so you find the right one for you. Best of all, make a good impression dressing smartly and professional and ready to work.