Capability Associate Review

I work in the Capability team in which I am required to interact with a wide range of people throughout the bank. Although I do not fully own any projects, I am in charge of professional qualifications and continuing professional development. I do not have many external interactions as I am in the back office, but I do have some contact with external companies.

From my apprenticeship I have achieved a level 3 qualification in business administration and also an ICT qualification. There is always opportunities for staff to attend training and there is a large amount of resource available for development. I have really developed my Microsoft Office skills. I will be looking at completing more qualifications in which I will look to the bank for funding.

The RBS work aspect of my apprenticeship has been great. I have had much support from not just my line manager, but also my wider team. The culture of RBS is very positive and looks to develop its staff through positive change. The BPP content and support material is out of date and the questions in the coursework do not seem to match up with the assessment criteria sometimes.

Positive feedback and highlighting good practice is very important in RBS. I often receive appreciation from anyone that I help, but also give feedback and appreciation when someone helps me. I am often asked to assist in projects from other members of the team when it comes to technical knowledge.

My programme was well structured up until I had to swap tutors. This set me behind by a couple of weeks. My manager has given me the time I have needed to complete my coursework and we have managed my capacity to make sure I have a good balance. I have had regular catch ups with other apprentices in my team and around me to compare work and help each other if needed.

I have mostly received good support from tutors, however it has been hard to get a hold of my current tutor. I also have to wait a couple of days to get a response as well as they only work 3 days a week. I have mostly enjoyed the course, however the work hasn't been challenging and has been very basic.

My manager has given me all the support I have needed. Although I haven't needed lots of support, she has assisted me with my work and also anything that needed to be raised with my provider. I haven't had a mentor, but I speak to my peers on a regular basis. There is a positive attitude towards supporting others in my team, so I have never felt like o didn't have any.

My salary meets all of my financial needs (travel, food, car, social) and also allows me to save. Being an apprentice I have been able to get an apprentice oyster card. However, as this expires soon I will be looking to the bank to support me in getting a years travel ticket.

RBS staff have 5 days in which they can use for charity and community support activities. This can be with a team or on your own. I have attended a few workshops and also external events. This has helped to greatly improve my network. There are always workshops being run on different types of development over the country which are available for anyone to attend.

Yes

It is a great place to work and is very people focused. Having come from sixth form and not knowing what career I wanted to go into, RBS has been a great first career. Although I may not be in the banking industry forever, I enjoy working in RBS and have had a lot of support in developing myself.

Ensure you have read what you are applying for and what is required of you. Your interviewer wont be looking for you to have experience in a professional environment (although it is good to have). Make sure that you have at least 4 strong answers for your interview that can be applied to different questions. You aren't expected to have much knowledge of the bank or banking in general as you will be taught on the job. You should also take any opportunity to attend events or shadow other businesses/teams when possible. This will help build your network and knowledge.