Private & Commercial Banking Invoice Finance - Rleationship Management Support Review

My role is based in Invoice Finance within RBS. The role involves using many computer based systems, matched with your knowledge about risk control and finance. Mornings are spent analysing clients accounts and commenting on them to ensure the Relationship manager is aware of what kind of position their client is in. Time in the afternoon is then spent doing many different tasks which include studying account information and keying it into the systems or calling clients in order to build a maintain a positive relationship.

My apprenticeship with RBS was my first proper entry to the working world. Therefore I feel I have learnt so many new skills through the apprenticeship programme. Namely developing my IT skills, learning to manage my time more effectively, developing my professionalism in a business related environment to state a few. A skill I developed was my people skills, as contact with clients has made me more confident.

Overall I am enjoying most of the aspects of the programme. It has given me the opportunity to develop a career and the bank is a very flexible body, which leads to many different paths and opportunities to work in different areas. Furthermore you make a lot of new connections known as "networking" which makes you feel inclusive to RBS by getting to know many different people.

Overall I feel relatively valued by RBS, my team treat me with respect and recognise I play an important role within the business. I felt this from the day I started and put me at ease significantly. I have been included in all the social events where applicable. However there are some instances where you feel you cant approach senior people, which can make you less confident and anxious during big events, but this is probably due to the fact there is not much contact with senior staff.

The organisation could be better in terms of the apprenticeship side of things. This is because there has been a few occasions where doing mock exams, or finding specific documents/information has been difficult. Also In my view I think the work book's should start once apprentices have done the exam that they sit, so they can just focus on that one objective. However on the flip side of things getting help for anything is easy as there is a designated tutor you can contact if needed.

The support itself is good overall, I have personally requested help from my training provider on a few occasions and they have always been quick and helpful in their responses. Although communications through email that are sent out are never always clear, I think more time given for certain take would be beneficial also.

At first I felt I was not very well supported from my employer, I felt like I should have had time with my line manager set aside from the moment I started to discuss things I was enjoying or needed more help with. My immediate colleagues were brilliant though in always offering to take time aside to teach me some things or go through tasks.

The salary and benefits that RBS offer are brilliant in relation to other apprenticeship schemes. The salary is very competitive and fair considering the responsibilities you start to take on. This is a big positive because it makes you feel more valued as an employee if you are being paid fair.

There are some opportunities outside of work, I receive many emails inviting me to attend different events in relation to RBS as the group. However they are all based in the big city's of the UK and so would be nice to localise these events so more people can more easily attend. You also have the chance to do community work as part of RBS in order to give back to society which I think is really important.

Yes

I would recommend the apprenticeship because it is a great alternative to going to university, or even if you have learnt a trade already as the doors that the bank open to you are endless. The people around you also make you feel very welcome and do their best to help you. The skills you learn will be transferable to many sectors and make you feel more equipped for the future.

My tips would be to prepare for the telephone interview & face to face interview as much as possible. Try to be confident by showing a positive attitude and polite body language. Ask questions as this shows you are enthusiastic about getting the role. Having a basic knowledge of the group or banking historically can also be a slight advantage also.