Apprentice Application Support Analyst Review

I work in Application Support as a Apprentice Analyst with Systems, Analytics and integration team. This involves reviewing software to see if batch jobs have ran correctly. If they haven't then we must go investigate as to why it failed then fix it. I also work with SharePoint creating Websites the work Across Application Support and maintain these sites.

Yes I have learned skills using softwares such as Informatica, Oracle, Mainframe, CA7 and many more. I have also developed people skills and gained much experience in public speaking through hosting meetings and such. In the course I have also learned skills like C#, attended course on Cisco and leanred the bases of SQL which has been very useful.

I enjoy my programme greatly as it tests me everyday and challenges me to learn new skills and find ways to get around problems in a innovative way. I also enjoy the course that I have to attend which involves 2 weeks of learning a subject. I enjoy things like the school vists we do that promotes the programme to potential new candidates

RBS value in me has been mixed as I had to move over a hundred miles away from my home and family to get this job and live on my in Edinburgh a place I knew no one which was very hard at first and lonely as I struggled to make friends outside of work for the first 6 months, the only people I knew in work were significantly older. As well as this some apprentices got paid £500 or so on the first day however I wasn't which was troubling as I had spent all my lifes savings paying a deposit and rent on a flat to get here and so towards the end of the month I couldn't afford the bus to work as I was living off about £1 a day and had to walk a 6 mile round trip everyday and when I asked if I too could get the initial money they said id just have to wait till next month. However in the latter half of the year I began to make friends and got more into my work and have felt that RBS have valued me a lot more sending me on courses and such and increasing my knowledge.

The programme is pretty well organised we have an essay to complete roughly once a month along with 3 or more courses a year that we must attended and pass. This along with additional training with in the team is very useful however it would be better if QA our training provider would give us a longer notice of when were to attend a course as it February already and myself or multiple other apprentices from my intake have no idea when were next on a course or what thatll be and were all eager to get started on the Level 8.

When at training we receive lots of support the course instructors are always very helpful and will stop to answer any questions you have and are often willing to stay over lunch or after class in order to help you understand anything you're struggling with. The course materials are also useful though I feel could be more detailed

I receive lots of support from my employer as in within my team as I have weekly meetings with my manager and he helps me develop my objectives and goals and treats me as full member of the team giving me task appropriate to skill while also regularly challenging me to achieve more. He also gives me time to complete any work from the college side of the course too.

The salary package meets my needs. Living in Edinburgh is expensive however im compensated well and still have money left over to afford food easily and have enough in the sense that I can save some and go on holidays which I greatly appreciate as I understand my place in the company being at the lowest tier and still be able to save and accomplish things is something I am very great full for.

There are some opportunities outside of work but they seem to be mainly for people based in the Gogarburn office. If there was a chance to play in a five a side football league that would interest me or anything like that but as far as im aware theres nothing really available for the office im based in. I understand there are some volunteering things available which is good if that interests you.

Yes

RBS is a massive company with hundreds of roles, if you apply and find yourself doing something you really cant enjoy theres room to move horizontally. If you work at your role and succeed theres plenty of room for promotions and such and I have seen many people in my year at RBS be promoted. After I adjusted to life here and made friends and such I have loved my time at RBS and wouldn't change anything

Do your best in the interviews and always be the best version of you. If you mess up part of the interview try not to worry as the people at RBS understand your nervous and more likely to make mistakes and such. Always look to learn new things and ask as many questions as you can as you're only an apprentice for 2 years so make the most of your time to make mistakes and learn from them.