Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by NatWest?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend NatWest to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest?
My role is to help improve the balance sheet of RBS. On a day to day basis this means looking at assets and how important they are to RBS. When I applied for the role, I didnt ever expect to be involved in and area which is so vital to the bank.
Since joining the bank I have learnt many new skills. These skills are things which I thought before joing the bank I was pretty comfortable the bank, to learn that they could be much improved. From basic things as to how to appropriately write an email to learning how to manipulate data on Excel. I feel like everyday I'm in the office my skills are developing.
I honestly couldn't fault my programme, I really enjoy coming to work everyday and really being involved in the projects my team are working on. Also the fact my team have really embraced me makes me enjoy my job even further.
Following on from the last point, RBS have really embraced me. They do not restrict who I meet/ communicate with, this has resulted in me having meetings with senior people, being rewarded for my work and offering support in whatever I choose to do. I can not fault the way RBS treat me as an apprentice.
My programme is now well structured and I have deadlines and support from my apprenticeship mentor. However to begin with, it was unclear as to when we were going to start the learning qualification and when the deadlines were. However, in terms of my role, that has been well structured throughout, easing me into my role.
I feel support of the training provider is there, but in practice doesn't always feel like it. For example, we are meant to have webinars before the exams, however, there is always technical issues which end up wasting a lot of the time dedicated. However my training provider mentor on the otherhand is very supportive, she always offers a detailed explanation if I have any questions.
My employers are very supportive. They dedicate time each week to answer any questions I may have. They also are willing to support me on any learning I feel may benefit me which makes me feel a lot more comfortable in my role.
Thankfully I am still living at home so my salary leaves me with plenty of disposable income. My salary is well above the minimum required for an apprenticeship. To support this further, in my last review I was gived a rise.
There are lots of opportunities to take part in outside of work. RBS are keen advocates in making sure that we aren't in the office permanently. To support this they offer opportunities to paticipate in such a 'sports day'.
Yes
I have already done so, I feel apprenticeships are a brilliant way to get your foot in the door of a company. I couldn't fault my role which is something I tell my friends. After hearing about the opportunity from someone in the role, it changes there perspective on things.
I would say to look at the opportunities there are available in the bank. Before joing I didnt know many of the roles there were, but since joing I now realise you can do almost anything. Therefore my advice would be to do your research before applying.
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Finance
Central London & City
April 2016