Assistant Relationship Manager (apprentice) Review

I am currently working alongside Assistant Relationship Managers to support the Relationship Managers. This involves contacting customers on a regular basis to book meetings in with their manager, undertake service reviews to ensure the customers receive a high level of service, and also to answer any queries customers may have. Each day is different as my role is mainly reactive; meaning, I respond to customers needs, and therefore, there is no set task.

Working in this role has definitely enhanced my communications skills; it is essential that I communicate with all of my colleagues in order to benefit our customers. It is also important that I speak clearly and confidently to customers so that they feel they can trust me and build up a relationship. I am working towards a Professional Bankers Certificate which I will receive on completion of my apprenticeship.

I really enjoy my programme, firstly, I work in a supportive, friendly team which makes the office environment a great place to work. My apprenticeship involves attending online webinars and then doing independent study from a text book which really works for me and I makes my learning enjoyable.

Although I am still fairly new to my role, I feel that my involvement is valued and appreciated. This is demonstrated in the 'Regional Recognition Award' that I received for my hard work and involvement within the office. During my monthly 1:1, my manager provides me with feedback of how I am getting and always values the work I am doing.

The programme is very organised, when I started, I attending a 3 day induction, providing me with information and the apprenticeship and preparing me for my first day. On my first day, everything was set up (for example, my system access, passes etc.) and there was a clear plan of what I would be doing in the first week.

I receive a fair amount of support from my training provider, I have an assessor who I have monthly phone calls with to review my progress and ensure I am up-to-date with everything. I can also email my assessor at anytime if I have a query or problem and I feel like she genuinely wants to help and support me.

I work in a really supportive team and find it easy to approach anybody, including my employer if I every have a problem. My manager is always willing to talk and offer guidance and support.

As an apprentice, I would say I am on a very competitive salary which meets most of my costs. I do commute to work which can cost quite a lot on travel but I currently have free parking which makes it easier. We are however, in the process of moving office which will be located in the city, this will increase the amount of fuel I use and I will not have access to free parking so this will have an impact on my salary over the year. However, other than this, I feel my salary meets all of my living, daily and social costs.

There are huge amounts of opportunities to get involved with outside of work, for example I am currently an early years advocate which involves me presenting to schools, advising them of apprenticeships at RBS. There are many charity events, and networking events you can get involved in too. There are a group of people in the office who go out running together once a week after work and there are many opportunities to set up groups and activities to do outside of the work environment.

Yes

RBS is great company to work for; they value each and every member of their staff and promote a happy a friendly workplace. They offer a competitive salary and numerous benefits. There are an 'endless' amount of opportunities and roles within the company so you can explore many areas and take on new challenges.

The application process is a long process and it can sometimes be difficult to continue pursuing it but it if this is the company you want to work for, it is important to stick at it and show a high level of determination the whole way through. When attending an interview, make sure you are prepared and have done the research on RBS, but most of all, just be yourself! RBS want people staff who share the same values RBS promote and want happy workers, so if you can demonstrate this through the application stages, you will be sure to be successful.