Retail Change Apprentice Review

I have been working as a retail change apprentice. Throughout my apprenticeship I will rotate around 5 different teams within retail change (12 weeks in each). I am regularly assigned small projects which I must complete by the set deadline, some of which include: assessing the risk of some of our clients, reviewing and updating existing forms & logs and also completing daily tasks such as calculating daily prices.

As I came straight from school into the working world I have developed many new skills since I have been at M&G. These include developing my ability to present and talk in a professional manner, as well as learning to use many new computer systems. As an apprentice at M&G I also get many opportunities to attend investment 2020 courses which are great for getting a wider understanding of the investment industry and also help to develop key skills in the working environment. As part of my apprenticeship I also complete an IOC qualification which is recognised across the industry.

I am extremely glad I decided to do an apprenticeship rather than go to university. I have made some great friends on my apprenticeship and there is never a lack of social events or night outs. Everyone is extremely kind and helpful and make coming to work every day an enjoyable experience. Being on an apprenticeship programme has by far exceeded my expectations and I could not recommend it more.

I have regular meetings with my managers to review my performance, which is very useful for understanding what I am doing well and what areas I can further my development. All the teams within M&G are great at treating me as any other colleague and do not think differently of me because of my age or experience. Everyone is very supportive and always willing to help where necessary and take time to explain in details to make sure I understand.

The apprenticeships at M&G are very well structured. The apprenticeship length is 12-18 months which allows plenty of time to complete the IOC qualification along side the apprenticeship. Regular meetings are scheduled with team managers and my personal manager to assess my progress on the scheme. There are also plenty of opportunities to attend further training courses for free which the company encourage you to attend. I am also assigned a mentor who is great and is able to help me with any issues I have, work related or not.

The tutor is very helpful and we have monthly meetings to assess work I have completed and to guide me with any problems I may have. The tutor is very supportive and is available to speak to even around the monthly meetings.

M&G provide their apprentices with an abundance of support including direct managers, managers within the teams you are working in, a mentor and many other contacts should you wish to speak to anyone else. They are all great at helping with any issues and offering advice and are always willing to help no matter what.

The salary is very generous for an apprentice, any additional travel costs outside of commuting are paid for by the company. M&G also run many free social events. The canteen in London is subsidised so offers a very good and affordable meal and the chefs are great!

There are many optional events to attend to which are great for networking with other apprentices from other firms as well as develop your personal skills. You are also allowed 1 day every year off work to volunteer at a charity of your choice. As mentioned before there are also many social events outside and inside of work.

Yes

M&G offers so many benefits outside of work that make it a great place to work at. M&G also care for their staff as a priority so you feel like part of M&G and not just a worker. Everyone is also extremely kind and always willing to help at any time.

My application process consisted of submitting my CV, some basic online maths and English tests, a video interview, a face to face interview and an assessment day. Although this sounds like a lot the process of application was very smooth and I was made to feel comfortable during my interviews and it was more like a conversation than an interview. My recommendation for anyone applying for an apprenticeship would be to do a bit of basic research on the company to find out what they do and who they are. Ask yourself why you want to work at this company as they are likely to ask this too. Try and have a look for interview questions people have been asked at the same company so you know the sort of level the questions will be. This will help you to not be caught off guard on the day. It is becoming more common now for strange and difficult questions to be asked in interviews such as asking you to name one of your flaws, to get more of an insight into the sort of person you are. Do not rush these questions and stop to have a think before you answer them. My final tip would be to try and enjoy the experience. Whether you are accepted or not it is great experience for your next interview and try and get as much feedback as possible. If you try and enjoy the experience you will be more relaxed and most likely perform better on the day. If you get hung up about it, you could let your nerves get the better of you.