Customer Service Assistant Review

My official job title is a 'Customer Service Assistant Apprentice.' I work within a LLoyds Bank branch, on a full-time permanent basis. My job consists, primarily, of serving our customers within branch. I aspire to offer a high level of customer service, whether I am serving them at the counter or in the banking hall. To meet their stated needs, identify unstated needs and support my senior colleagues by making adequate, and frequent, referrals.

I have definitely developed my customer service skills. Although I already had quite a high level of customer service experience, this job has provided lots of training to help me take those skills to another level. I have also learnt lots about things more specific to banks themselves, both through the induction training, training provided in branch and the apprenticeship scheme. My existing Maths and English have also been further developed with my apprenticeship scheme.

I thoroughly embrace any learning I can possibly under-take. Although finding time is not always easy, me and my Bank Manager [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] work closely to try to ensure that I am able to keep up with required work. Whilst this may sometimes mean more hours spent together on certain days than others we do our best to make it work. Some aspects I have definitely enjoyed, and benefitted from, others not so much.

I feel highly valued by Lloyds Banking Group. Since starting with the company they have offered lots of training, of various forms, to support me and my own personal development. We have a positive working environment where all colleagues support each other, and so this feeling of being valued comes both from up above, and also on a daily basis. Bonuses within the pay scheme also help to make you feel that good work is appreciated and rewarded.

As previously stated, fitting the required apprenticeship time into a busy working schedule has proven to be difficult at times. But, working closely with Bank Manager [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], we try to fit an adequate number of working hours into our branches choroegraphy that works best both for my own programme, and the branch as a whole. The programme itself is very orderly and easy to follow, so I'm always quite clear on what work I have to do, and when it needs to be done by

My training provider is very useful when I her see her, but this appears as if it will only be once every three months now. She is due to make one call in between visits, but until this occurs it's impossible for me to say whether voice calls prove to be quite so helpful as seeing her in person, and how long they will last. She also failed to arrive for our very first meeting, but has been more reliable since.

My employer LLoyds Banking Group has been extremely supportive in initially enrolling me on this apprenticeship, in the hope that it will help with my development within the company. My Bank Manager [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] has been very supportive throughout in letting me initially sign up for the apprenticeship, and offering me time to work on the scheme where possible.

Thankfully, although an apprentice, Lloyds Bank pay what they consider to be the full / going rate to apprentices, as they would any other new Customer Service Assistant I feel that my salary/package is competitive for the role I fulfil. Whereas the position has increased travel costs, to where I was working before, I am paid enough to cover my current lifestyle.

I have not, as yet, come across many opportunities outside of the workplace. I know that, at some point in the year, we will all take part in 'A Day to Make a Difference,' for our chosen charity. When it comes to my apprenticeship, some of the work is accessible out of work, and I have done some in my own time - but a lot can only be accessed at work, via internal programmes such as Discover Learning.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Lloyds Banking Group, from my own personal experiences. From the fact they gave me an opportunity in the first place, to the way they have supported me as an individual, with my development through continued training and coaching. They have also treated me with a lot of trust and respect throughout, making me feel like one of their team from my very first day.

To be fully prepared by being aware of the types of skills LLoyds Bank are looking for. To be prepared to work hard, but to know that you will feel a sense of achievement and self-worth for doing so. To embrace and make the most of any training provided, and know that it is a career that can hopefully be both long and fulfilling.