Apprentice Assistant Relationship Manager Review

My role is a customer facing role. On a daily basis I am dealing with customers and doing my best to carefully listen to their needs and wants and accommodate whilst trying to add value where possible. I speak with a variety of customers daily all with different queries to which I seek answers. I input data and process data on to many systems which aids in the process of future lending etc.

I have learnt many new skills in the short space since joining such as: confidence in dealing with customers / relationship skills, prioritising tasks (time management), using social media like LinkedIn to connect with clients or prospects, Networking - growing my network of professionals within a variety of sectors, market sector awareness CSS & NPS (informing customers about the survey and making sure there are no problems)

I love the programme as it has given me the opportunity to meet new people be it apprentices or important powerful individuals who make difficult decisions in running a business. There is nothing or no one holding me back, if I want to go out of the office and meet another team within the bank I am allowed to do so. Opportunities are plentiful and the existing workers are all very helpful and will give you their time to aid in your development.

I feel valued, managers and staff do say good things about my work which gives me a good feeling inside. I don't feel unwelcome which is always a bonus.

The programme seems to run efficiently. There is never any occurrences that waste my time or take time from my day. Everything is planned and structured. On boarding was friendly welcoming and efficient. Although there was a 2 day on-boarding process it didn't feel long winded and boring. Whenever there are issues they are always quickly resolved without making any disturbance. They have gave us apprentices all the tools to do well and pass our exam/ workbooks.

we have a monthly update with our own tutors where we can discuss any issues we have with the apprenticeship study or within RBS .

This monthly catch up is also attended by our line managers who help to solve any issues discussed. RBS also do a weekly session for all ARM's (my role) so development and understanding is always gained through these sessions. There is extra help and sup[port in the role of a buddy. Every apprentice has a buddy who was on the apprenticeship the year prior to ourselves. They help in any way they can, by asking questions or providing guidelines for exam revision. Sessions are also put on to learn about our product partners and how we can add value by potentially suggesting/ referring clients.

The salary is good. Competitive to what my friends receive of a similar age / standard learn. Not the highest payer but certainly above the minimum. It doesn't fully support my costs but that's because I'm young and have a lot of costs.

Yes. Colleagues play football on a Tuesday night which I have been involved with once. There are networking events after work hours in local pubs / restaurants. We are entitled to 5 days of voluntary work, so you can go and help the community whilst still getting paid. Work occasionally host nights outside of work and supplement the costs. The company is huge and so there's always events on which you can attend.

Yes

For all of the above comments I have made.

Take your time with the process, answer honestly and think about the questions. If you know you have to do a certain test go on the internet and practise a couple of tests before you have to do a real test. If you have a phone call, practise answering questions over the phone. If you have an interview practise certain techniques to make sure you answer the questions in the right way. If your struggling to understand something ask, because if you understand what's being asked of you then you wont make mistakes.