Group Risk Apprentice Review

I work within Group Risk at Prudential in the emerging risk team. My daily tasks can include being in meetings, taking minutes, writing reports, preparing packs for meetings, being integrated into the discussion of emerging risks. I feel that I have a value and sense of responsibility within the team due to being from a different age demographic, I can contribute different ideas and perspectives that are valuable to the business.

As part of my apprenticeship I study Business Administration (Level 3). Alongside this I have been given the opportunity by my employer to study for an Investment Management Certificate (IMC) to make the experience even more beneficial to me. I have developed a number of personal and professional skills that vary from resilience to using excel and email etiquette.

I enjoy the structure that this job role has brought to my life, leaving as a sixth form student followed by an extensive summer, this was something that I previously lacked. The team I work for is relatively small so I would enjoy to move around, if the opportunity was to arise, to increase my daily interactions.

I feel fairly valued by Prudential UK as I am often involved in valuable discussions, which my 'millennial' mind set is appreciated and questioned in. I am not often made to feel that I am only the apprentice and my job role underappreciated.

The induction week we had and continuous support from our apprenticeship leader, Maria Wilcockson, has been impeccable. Our progression is regularly monitored and any issues that we have faced have been sorted to the best of her ability.

Our relationship with the training provider, more specifically the tutor, had a rocky start as she was difficult to get in touch with and it was a slow process to receive feedback from submitted work so we felt less supported than we should have. However, recently this has been of an adequate standard.

I have been made aware of many different lines and services you can contact, should you have a problem. Problems that I have faced, I have addressed with the apprenticeship scheme manager which we have worked through together instantly.

It can be frustrating to see that you are carrying out the same daily tasks as a permanent employee but are on a much lower salary due to the 'apprentice' status. Daily travel and lunch costs take the majority of the salary, however, I am aware that our salary is above the minimum apprenticeship rate.

There are a number of company events and activities that are comforting to see colleagues in a more relaxed environment where you can socialise with all types of people that you may not interact with usually on a daily basis. In the city centre, there are many different options for activities, restaurants and gyms. However, these are often also expensive.

Yes

It is an eye-opening experience to be a part of such a nationally recognisable company, especially at a young age and whilst on an apprenticeship scheme providing additional support. Especially working at the head office, you get to witness a variety of different functions operate which can be beneficial when you are not yet sure of what specific role suits you.

Take the application seriously as how you present yourself from your CV to the assessment days will determine the outcome of your application. However, also enjoy the experience, even if you are not successful in the process the experience of applying to jobs is so valuable to your future. Also, do not compare yourself to the other candidates, employers look for a number of different qualities so you cannot be certain that one person will definitely get the job because the appear to be more academic or have more experience than you.