Portfolio Manager Review

by NatWest

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Portfolio Manager - Assisting RM's in their role and making sure that the customer journey is made as efficient as possible.

7/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

NVQ Certificate. Product knowledge, an understanding of the financial market. Confidence and social skills have come on a long way. Many development opportunities.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I am grateful for the opportunity, but the 'Apprentice Title' came at a price, being looked down upon by the more senior members of staff occasionally felt unfair: However this gave me the desire and wanting to prove myself. The culture of the bank is not at all what I expected - it is far more comfortable.

6/10

4. How valued do you feel by NatWest?

Being seen as an actual team member rather than the newbie, was a great feeling and I was trusted by both those in the team, and customers outside of the bank. Other than the situation mentioned above, it was a great feeling. Even better when I made a name for myself for the right reasons!

9/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Well, to begin with... the Assessor side of things has been a challenge due to many complicating factors. Throughout the course it has proved challenging to complete workbooks but worth it when I can complete them as well as juggling workflow demands.

6/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

Support is always there if you ask for it. RBS and the apprenticeship provider of BPP will always be happy to help as and when required. There has been help and time allocated for the times to be dedicated to revision.

5/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Support from RBS has been very good, initially there was not enough time allocated to study but this was because there was a lot of learning that needed to occur to bring me up to speed of a very important role in the organisation. Once management and others understood that the learning time for programme was vital it became a priority and was seen as part of the role; helping out a huge amount allowing me to complete the programme promptly.

8/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

More than enough! Of course I would love a lot more, but who wouldn't! It easily covers travel expenses and gives me enough to live day by day without panicking on a constant cycle making sure that I can afford things or not. Definitely cannot complain.

10/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

I believe that this qualification that the programme provides will look very good to both inside and outside recruitments / organisations. This is accompanied by the 18 months work experience in one of the worlds leading financial companies.

9/10

9. Would you recommend NatWest to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It has given me many different opportunities. The major stand out quality is the financial benefits, most of my friends are at the stage of looking at University which is going to cost them an arm and a leg to learn, however I am being paid to learn with the opportunity to fall into a permanent role, whereas they will be in debt and then still have to find a job.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest?

I believe the best piece of advice I could give to any applicants is, to not get disheartened if unsuccessful and to keep trying. There was a large number of unsuccessful applicants in my Cohort, however I was lucky to get this opportunity and it has progressed me as a person and an employee fantastically. Be confident in your ability.