Relationship Management Apprentice- ARM Review

On an average day in my role I am responsible to carry out general office duties. Respond to and send emails. Answer the telephone and make calls to customers. I am also responsible to deal with complaints and queries effectively and promptly. I am also an aid in helping the day to day management between the customer and their relationship manager and help with briefing for meetings. I Also attend regular team meetings and keep up with regular reading and learning modules as well as completing my apprenticeship work and professional banker certificate learning.

I have learnt how to deal with time management more effectively to be able to complete important tasks in a timely manner so I am not overloaded with work and playing catch up with any work left behind! I have also improved on general office environment practice as this is new to me. Telephone skills and soft skill sin general as well as computing and general knowledge.

I am learning everyday and adapting. I am enjoying being in a new role and the challenges I am facing but finding the workload and apprentice plus the qualification work all at the same time can be daunting and needing a lot of time spent in and outside of work to keep up!

Unfortunately I have to say that my experience so far hasn't been a good start. I joined the programme later than my fellow students but I have found to be chasing my learning providers for any information, guidance and help from the beginning. I feel that I have kind of been left to get on with it and work it all out for myself which hasn't given me a positive outlook so far.

I feel the support I get from my employer is great. My line manager especially. She has helped me from the very beginning and has been my main support throughout. I am given time away from my desk to focus on my apprenticeship which really helps give me the time to get the work done.

Not as much as I would probably like. They are not always reachable and don't get back to me as quick as needed when I need assistance and even then I still feel its a very DIY approach. I started the course around 4 months ago and I have still not yet spoken with my mentor.

So far I don't feel it helps me in the current banking industry. Its great for general knowledge and information around the banking industry's history. But the day to day tasks I am achieving have not yet related to the course I am learning so far. It helps me in general baking behaviour but in term s of actual tasks in hand a lot is not yet relevant.

We have charity events that I have taken part in the most recent one being the office 'bake off'. my colleagues are also taking part in a 36mile charity walk and another colleague has run a marathon. We also engage outside of the office for team bonding activities so far since joining we have been bowling.

Yes

RBS has a great scheme in place to help staff achieve goals in their career. I feel RBS know how to look after their staff and this makes me want to work fore them and recommend to anyone thinking of joining the banking industry either from another bank or just starting out and wanting to join the apprenticeship scheme. they cover all areas and offer great opportunities to people just starting out of anyone wanting a career change no matter what point you are at in your career.

Be you , be open minded and pro active. don't be afraid to speak up. say how you feel. show your intuitive and bring your energy to the meeting room. If you are a people person and passionate about customer service and want to achieve great things and progress in a career you love,then RBS is the right place for you.