Technology Apprentice Review

My job role is a technology apprentice working within Risk and Finance Solutions. My daily tasks include arranging meetings with stakeholders and customers to collate information as part of our Technology Stability and Control Business Case for 2018 where we are trying to upgrade the end of life systems currently used in Risk & Finance Solutions.

My interpersonal skills have improved due to being exposed to a number of stakeholders and customers throughout the business. I am currently working on a SQL course which will improve my understanding of databases. I have completed modules provided by QA on cyber security, health and safety and also personal effectiveness. I have found all of this beneficial to my development.

I enjoy working within Risk & Finance Solutions. My colleagues are very understanding in the fact that I have not came from a Risk background. They all take their time to explain things to me fully when I am unsure or have any questions. RBS itself is a very flexible company to work for which allows me to have an enjoyable work life balance. The programme so far has met my intentions and I enjoy gaining a diploma whilst working on the job.

I feel very valued by RBS as I am given my own work stack and responsibilities. During weekly 1 to 1 meetings with my manager I am reminded that I am doing a good job and given pointers as to where or how I can improve what I am doing. I don't ever feel that I am wasting my time and at the opposite side of the scale I don't feel that I have too much work to complete in too little time.

I felt that the transition into the apprenticeship programme was seamless. As I was an existing member of staff with RBS, receiving confirmation and contact from my future line manager was prompt and I felt the introduction was very thorough. I am given time to study for my QA modules where appropriate and I prioritise this as being very important for my development. My team hierarchy is slightly fragmented as we are a very small team part of a much larger unit but I am happy to work and talk with all of my colleagues.

I am given ample support from my training provider, there have been times during courses where I have not fully understood a piece or aspect of the work and I have asked for further explanations or assistance and this has been given to me. Their attitude is great towards helping myself and other attendees and I get the idea that it is in their best interests that you complete the course with a full understanding so that you can return to your workplace with this knowledge.

I receive all the support that I require from my line manager. I have regular appointments after being diagnosed with type one diabetes a couple of years ago and he is very accommodating towards this. This ranges from time off for hospital appointments or simply taking a few moments away from my desk if I am not feeling great in general. My manager does not seem to have any issue supporting me at all and again I feel that he does it because he cares, not because he feels he has to do it.

I don't feel that my salary meets my costs. I, along with other apprentices find it very frustrating that we earn a large percentage less than other members of my team although do a very similar job. On a few occasions I have found myself looking for vacancies both internally and externally on the back of this. I feel that renting accommodation whilst on the apprenticeship programme makes it very difficult to save for the future and has also effected my pension contributions.

There are a large variety of opportunities outside of work within RBS. These are usually networking events or voluntary events. For example I have signed up to Money Sense which is a programme where school children are taught about the importance of money and how to prioritise and use money. These sessions involve going out to local schools and assisting teachers with these classes and this is something I am very keen on doing in 2018.

Yes

They are a very flexible company to work for and one where all employees feel very valued. They have a core set of values which we all live by each day in work and they help to create a very enjoyable place to work. There are an endless amount of opportunities to explore different avenues in RBS and I would go as far to say that there is a job for every type of person in RBS. they are very focused on developing individuals to becoming the best version of themselves.

My advice for others applying to RBS would be to be aware of what RBS' goals and future plans are. I think the bank has a bad name in the public still due to the problems we have had in the past but this is changing. It is important you understand which direction we are heading when you join RBS and that you are on board with wanting to make a difference. The experience you can get in a large variety of areas in the bank is great for personal development and allows you to view the on goings in the bank from a number of different perspectives. I didn't know this when joining the bank and if I did then I would have applied much sooner.