WebSphere Administrator Review

by NatWest

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.1/10

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

I work as a WebSphere Administrator. I design, build and administer websphere application servers and WAS instances to run applications within the bank.

8/10

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

As part of my apprenticeship I have completed an HNC and HND in Software Development. I have also gained websphere skills through external IBM training and have received my Yellow Belt in Lean Sigma through internal mandatory training

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

The program has changed since my intake so my input here may not be very useful. I found the layout of my apprenticeship and training very useful

9/10

4. How valued do you feel by NatWest?

This is dependant within your team. My team treat me like a full time employee and I am very much "part of the team". Within RBS as a whole though, apprentices are mostly used for marketing within schools. I still feel valued however that is due to my involvement in internal committees and is not specific to the scheme.

7/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

As I said before, the structure of the scheme has changed since my intake. However, from an outside perspective, I do believe that the organisation of the scheme is improving.

6/10

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

I have a buddy within my team as well as a mentor from my wider department. Between them and my line manager, I am very supported and am often directed towards new training opportunities and encouraged to get involved in multiple projects.

10/10

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

Support from managers is very easy to come by, they are actively involved and very encouraging. It can be difficult to gain support from the HR team and there is very little internal information released about the scheme.

6/10

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

We are paid well.

9/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

RBS often hosts events and external speakers which we are actively encouraged to attend. There are multiple internal and external committees that you can volunteer for as long as you can manage your time accordingly. There is a gym on campus and various sport clubs run by RBS employees

10/10

9. Would you recommend NatWest to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

They encourage a holistic working environment, there are good opportunities across all departments and it is easy to find the support you need to develop your career

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

Prepare well for your interview, there is a lot of information to help with this on the external RBS site, yourpassionyourpotential.rbs.com