Junior Project Manager Review

Day to day is a mix between my role in the company as a Junior Project manager and specific apprentice related activities. As a project manager I'm exposed to various different projects to learn about how they develop at different stages, attend meetings and calls related to the projects, and complete work given to me (review documents etc). The apprentice activities are classroom training, modules in work to be completed, challenges with other apprentices/grads etc.

I've had various classroom training that was new to me, cyber security, network configuration etc. I've also learned many skills from the actual job about leading and driving projects, managing workloads, working with many different people across the bank in different teams etc really helps you learn more about how big companies in general are structured and how they operate with third parties.

I really enjoy the programme, it can have its quiet times but in general it's busy and challenging, I've been lucky that I've been able to get involved with visible pieces of work and get good recognition for my contributions. The classroom training taught me things I otherwise would not have got the chance to learn. Working within a big company is useful as it exposes you to many parts of the business and gives you an idea what you might like/dislike.

As previously mentioned, I've felt lucky that a lot of the work I was given was very visible and so I received a lot of great feedback for my contributions and as such was given even more opportunities. I'm glad that as an apprentice I haven't felt as though I'm a hassle for my line managers but instead that I can actually provide value for the team and company.

In general it is structured well, a good balance between workload from my actual job role as well as apprentice specific work. As an apprentice you can be quiet in both your day job and if you're ahead of the game with your apprentice work it can get quiet and you're looking for work. Thankfully this doesn't happen too often and as an apprentice people are normally happy to involve you in things, even as a spectator just to increase your learning.

The training provider has regular meetings with the apprentices on top of the classroom training throughout the year. The meetings are useful, they keep the momentum with their own training going but are also keen to learn about what work you do in your day to day role and how this synergies with their own programme. A lot of the work they give you to do supports the role you're doing.

The RBS is a great employer, they have a huge focus on the work culture to make sure employees are comfortable and they get the best out of them. As an apprentice I'm treated exactly the same as other permanent members of staff and am looked after accordingly. Personal development is well structured to regularly check you're making progress towards agreed goals or to alter goals where you can. The early careers team within the RBS serve as a great safety net between your day to day team and your apprentice provider to ensure you're not too overworked or underworked.

The salary from the RBS seems more competitive than most, having moved from a different role within the company my salary is different from the base salaries of other apprentices. When deciding to make the move to the apprenticeship I was unaware of this however the salary they offered was competitive enough I considered taking a slight cut for the chance to career change.

RBS is a big advocate of opportunities and encourage you to do volunteering activities throughout the year which is part of your annual objectives. They offer perks to permanent staff which also applies to apprentices should as discounts for cinema, shopping, discounts on gym memberships etc. There are also corporate events you may attend depending on your role, be it team building events or networking events.

Yes

They provide a great working environment, well structured personal development plans, flexible working, friendly work culture, good facilities and competitive salaries. There's a huge amount of scope to develop and grow within the bank and the chance to do many different roles. You are treated as an adult and have a lot of independence but are held accountable in you underperform and as such I find most staff share a similar work ethic.

Try everything. Don't be shy and say yes to any opportunity given to you. I agreed to any work that came my way, some fun, some not so fun. But it all lead to even better opportunities and great recognition and fantastic networking.