Technology Apprentice Review

My role with RBS in the technology apprenticeship programme is with the Information Security team, I am working towards becoming a full Security Analyst. My days can be very varied, I can be shadowing one of my team on a piece of work. Or helping them deliver a project. I take turns on our mailbox responding to IS queries from staff across the bank. I can work with other departments in helping them deliver work as well.

Through our training provider QA I have gained new technical skills and have further courses coming up later in the yea. I have also began to learn lots about Security and Cyber Security in financial services and it's importance to the bank. There is lots more to learn but I am given time to grow this, for example I can take time to do a Comptia Security+ video tutorials ending in a test.

Personally within my team I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Each day can be different and brings a new challenge which is a big positive to me. My line manager has been fantastic in encouraging me to take every opportunity to grow my experiences.

In my team I feel valued, even at this early stage I have helped with team projects. I have also had the chance to work on relevant projects for other teams which I completed well and had visibility to senior staff members.

There is a good structure around the programme though I understand it can change as the company brings in larger numbers of apprentices. There is a good structure regarding the training provider but on the day to day side there could potentially be a better learning structure rather than managers discretion alone. Within the team I work on there is a clear structure, and I work with all most levels to gain an insight to my future career.

During classes there is a lot of support on the subject at hand as the tutor is readily available. There are regular meetings with assessors to go over pieces of work and they make it clear if there are any issues of any kind with work then to get in touch.

My manager offers lots of support to me, we have weekly one to ones to go over the work I am doing, how I am feeling and what I can do next. But outside of this he is readily available. There is lots of support through HR and our intranet for all sorts of things.

The Salary at RBS for an apprentice is very generous, I am able to support myself including paying rent on my flat. And it covers all other costs as well.

There are not many opportunities outside of work. There are chances to visit schools to promote the apprentice programme. Though within my department there are get togethers and I am also encouraged to attend industry networking events.

Yes

I would recommend RBS to a friend because they will allow you to gain great experience in a real world environment. They will allow you to work with real customers, internal and external, so you know you can make a positive impact. The apprentice team are really on your side to make sure you have the best experience within the bank.

Have patience, with so many people applying to these programmes application processes can be slow. Getting to interview stages alone is a great achievement, so be proud of that alone and don't stress about the interviews, just put in the preparation and that's the best you can do. The on boarding and first weeks can be a bit slow while you are signed up to the various systems and such.