Relationship Support Officer Review

I am responsible for managing my Relationship Manager's portfolio of commercial clients. This means maintaining a relationship with the clients, i.e. picking up the phone to them/emailing them/attending client meetings, and overall providing them with the products/services they request from the bank.

Working this close to customers on a personal level has really developed my confidence and has enabled me to build relationships with people much easier. Furthermore, the admin side to my job has enabled me to develop my understanding of banking as a whole as well as my computer skills.

I really enjoy my programme. It allows for plenty of variety as every day is different. There are also plenty of opportunities within the bank, including a variety of events to attend, as well as additional exams and ways to progress your career.

I feel very valued by RBS. I am provided with a lot of support from my team with them giving me two half days a week to study for my Professional Banker Certificate. I have a variety of people who support my, including my line manager, my director and my Skills Coach/Assessor from BPP.

So far, the programme has been well structured. We have been provided with an Individual Learning Plan which sets out the classes and what is expected of us each week throughout the programme. We have also been given login details to access online materials and attend online live classroom sessions, in addition to being provided with physical materials, such as a study guide, study text, and a practice/revision kit. I have also been assigned a Skills Coach/Assessor who I have a telephone conversation with every fortnight in order to provide me with any additional help or materials I require, as well as providing me with guidance on the workbooks which I am required to complete.

I receive reasonable support from my training provider with my assignment of my skills coach/assessor, I know I can contact her if ever I need to. Additionally, the materials I have been provided with has been significant.

My employer provides me with a lot of support. I am provided with two half-days a week to study for my exam, which I can choose to either take outside of the office or within the office. I have also been assigned a line manager in my office who regularly keeps updated with my progress each week and provides me with any additional facilities I need.

My salary meets my costs sufficiently. It was above what I had initially thought it would be, as well as my office being just outside of London, so I do not have the expense of travelling into central London by train each day, I can drive to my office which is only 5 miles down the road from my house. Compared to my friends my age who are in debt at uni, I am in a significantly better position.

There are always things going on in the bank, not specifically for apprentices, but events which are open to employees, such as volunteering events, council & association events, etc.

Yes

The programme is really good if you want a career in banking/financial services as soon as you finish your GCSEs/A Levels. The programme pays a good wage, as well as lots of support in helping you pass, to which you are then provided with lots of career development and progression opportunities.

Do lots of research on the bank and the programme you are applying for. It serves you well if you know what you are talking about and know what the interviewer is referring to. You don't need to know what banking is particularly, just know about the company and know your reasons for wanting to join the scheme.