Assistant Portfolio Manager Review

I am an assistant portfolio manager and my role includes a vast amount of different tasks. I do everything from liaising with solicitors to answering customer queries. The kind of tasks I undertake include taking/releasing security, opening accounts to analysing management information. Every day is different and I am constantly learning new skills and undertaking new challenges.

As part of my apprenticeship I have gained a professional banking certificate from Chartered Banker as well as a certificate in providing financial services from BPP. We are encouraged to undertake continuous professional development and aim to spend 50 hours a year dedicated to CPD. This includes learning modules such as anti money laundering, fraud and sanctions.

I love my programme, I don't know what I was expecting when I first joined but it has by far exceeded my expectations. I am gaining transferable skills that I can use in other roles to help me develop. The work is meaningful and I am given the same responsibilities as the rest of the team. The work culture is friendly and more light-hearted than I was expecting. Everyone is willing to help, even though they are really busy themselves.

I feel really valued, I am given feedback on a regular basis through monthly meetings with my line manager or by general feedback given by the team.

The programme was really easy to get on and was a structured process. You simply apply, get a telephone interview, get a face to face interview and then are offered the role! There is an induction day for 2 nights where all expenses are paid- hotel, train, meals. This induction was really valuable as I was able to meet the other apprentices starting at the same time as me. The learning is also structured, we have webinars leading up to our exam and once we pass it we can receive our first qualification. Then we move on to the BPP qualification which is made up of various workbooks that require product evidence, witness testimonies and reflective statements. I have actually recently finished my last workbook and I am waiting to receive my second certificate.

There is a lot of support from the training provider we have an assessor who we can contact anytime throughout the day and ring with any problems. There is also a general mailbox we can email any questions to, I would recommend BPP as a training provider.

At RBS we each have a line manager who can also help you with any questions. When studying for my exam I was allowed to take study days, these were really helpful as it meant I could revise at home with no distractions.

My salary meets my costs extremely well. I thought as an apprentice I would be paid the national minimum apprentice wage. In fact I get paid more than the actual minimum wage. When I secure a permanent position this will rise further. As a 19 year old living at home with no car or dependents I don't have many cost to consider apart from living/travel costs. This enables me to save a large amount of my money.

There are many volunteering opportunities and we are encouraged to take volunteering days. CSR is important to my organisation so I regularly attend charity events. There are networking opportunities, for example me and my apprentice colleague on a number of occasions have met up with solicitors to network during work time. There are after work internal events such as charity quizzes.

Yes

I would recommend RBS to a friend as not only have I got a career. All my expectations have been exceeded and I recommend anybody to apply.

Firstly always do your research before your interview- read the website, look at possible questions. Secondly don't be put off if you have no banking related experience, you're not expected to. They will teach you everything you need to know.