Corporate banking apprentice Review

On a daily basis I help the Relationship managers look after our current corporate clients. I do this by helping complete ratings models, monitor overdrawn accounts and covenants, send forms to clients etc. I also help the Relationship Directors look for new prospective customers by looking at financials and past trading performance.

I have learnt many new skills such as learning the different products that our bank can offer and ways in which we target new customers. I have also developed existing skills by using my knowledge of accounts to help produce ratios which are then used to determine the level of lending that we can offer.

I am really enjoying my programme so far. It is varied and no two days are the same. I feel like I have already been given a lot of responsibility which I enjoy. I am also looking forward to exploring different areas of the bank and meeting new people on my rotation scheme.

I think the programme is very well structured in that we get to rotate to different areas in the business. This will then help me decide what area I'd eventually like to work in. I also think the apprenticeship is good in that we get a study day once a week to gain a degree level qualification.

I receive quite a lot of support from my employer. We are assigned a mentor and they have a weekly meeting with me to catch up on what work I have been doing, how I think I am progressing and maybe areas that I could concentrate on improving. The overall apprentice manager is also always available for any queries/problems.

I receive quite a lot of support from my training provider BPP whilst doing my apprenticeship. We are assigned a skills development coach who helps us with our qualification and also the building of a portfolio on work that we have completed. They are also available to help with any general queries regarding our apprenticeship.

The Chartered Banker qualification has been so helpful for me, especially considering I did not come from a banking background like some of the other apprentices on my scheme. It has given me a greater insight into banking and shown me how he current team I work for fits into this.

There are extra-curricular activities you can get involved in, for example there is a football league going on at the moment. The bank also actively encourages community days in which you get to help a charity or scheme of your choice. There are often also team outings and there is an opportunity to join networking schemes.

Yes

I would recommend Santander to a friend as the scheme I am on is helping me develop and decide where I want to work in my career. It is well structured and pays well for an apprenticeship. The help you get from your employer is great and the qualification you receive with the apprenticeship is very highly regarded in the sector.

I would advise to prepare thoroughly for any telephone/ face to face interviews. Think of the main risks facing a bank and how you can help mitigate these and how you can help the bank meet their strategic objectives. Never be afraid to speak up and get your voice heard.