Entrepreneur Development Apprentice Review

I currently work as an entrepreneur development apprentice under the business administration apprenticeship programme. I'm based in a office that is bank owned but completely different to a typical bank role. I work with entrepreneurs each day and get to interact with a lot of different people in different levels. my daily tasks include general administration of the office such as checking who is coming in and out, making sure any entrepreneur queries are dealt with and organising events. I am responsible for the three offices within my region and organise events in these areas with the help of my line manager.

When i first started i was incredibly shy and it really affected my confidence within the role. Since starting in spring last year i have gained enough confidence to present to the whole team of 30 people on research i carried out. The bank also offers a Edntrepreneurial Development Academy which is carried out in your own time and once completed you get an additional qualification you can add to your CV. I've also learned networking skills and how to communicate with different levels of professionalism.

I enjoy working in the team i am in as i feel like im treated like an employ and im not seen as any less because i am an apprentice. The culture is very friendly and everyone looks out for each other. This went above my expectattions of what a 'bank' team would typically look like. Our team in our local area, our region and UK all work closely together so there are so many people to help you out and give advice.

In RBS i feel like my opinion is valued and that any problems i have are addressed. This extends beyond the team as i feel that every type of help i have needed has been given to me. Any question you have is valued and everyone wants to help you out. Performance is important as there is so much content on the intranet that can help you out and allow you to grow. There is also career development days and CV builders that allow you to develop as an employee.

My programme was well structured from when i started. all the tools i needed was given to me. one thing i struggled with was the content of my apprenticeship programme. when i first started i was on my own as an apprentice and there was no one close enough to me to meet with and speak to. however everyone on the apprenticeship team is always happy to help out remotely.

My tutor has monthly check in calls with me and is always available on email to go through any questions i have. my tutor always supports me when i need it and offers alternatives if something isnt working for me. the apprenticeship programme is straight forward in terms of submitting your work and recieveing feedback and the support is really helpful.

My employer supports me in every aspect of work life and personal life. When i started i wrote down that family was an important value to me and my employer ensures my values are incorporated into my work life in order to keep all my values in line. i have been able to work flexible when i have needed to be at home and they ensure my hours work around my apprenticeship too. We have weekly and monthly reviews to check that my personal and professional development is on track and anything we can do to aid this.

My salary for an apprentice is very good and well above average. For me my travel costs to get back and fore to work are expensive as i travel nearly 3 hours each day. however despite this my salary still meets my costs and more and allows me to save. i feel like the wage i am on is fairly given and is a real motivator to work hard within the programme. When looking for roles i found that this was one of the highest paying and is in line with the hours and responsibilites you are given.

There are many opportunities for young people in the bank with clubs and socities meeting outside of work to organise events. i have never attended these but it is good to know that they are there. i chose not to attend these as i travel a lot for work so its important i get home and spend time with my family and friends. the team i work with also meet up outside of work and there is always networking events to attend.

Yes

RBS has provided me with the confidence and abilities to go out into the real world and get my first job. Before this role i was unsure of where i wanted to go or what i wanted to do, through going on placements and seeing how different things work i now know which department i would like to go in after my apprenticeship whether this is inside or outside of the bank. It also provides the professional and personal skills you need to get a professional job and gives you huge brownie points on your CV.

Make the most out of every opportunity you get and be confident and honest. During the application process i was unsure of whether the role was suited to me and my line manager then talked me through every aspect of the role. During the assessment days talk to as many people as possible as they could end up working in the same building as you and it makes it easier to make friends you start work. I would have liked to have been told how quick the processes was as i went from application to being accepted within two weeks.