Technology Apprentice Review

I have been placed into the core banking platform looking at developing into a software engineer. I have completed projects relating to my area, including meeting management from across the department to get to know the area better. I have also completed presentations relating to how projects are run within the bank. These have been focussed on developing soft skills. I have recently completed 3 training courses (through RBS) in order to learn use of the mainframe and the coding language COBOL. I am currently completing tasks in the office to embed the knowledge gained on this course. There are 3 other apprentices from my intake in my team, we work closely together on most tasks. Throughout my apprenticeship I will move through different teams within my department to get a fuller experience working within the area. I will also have the opportunity to support the 2019 intake of apprentices who will be placed in the same department.

Since starting with RBS I have been encouraged to develop soft skills. A big one of these for me has been presenting. We have been encouraged to present both as a group and individually to a variety of audiences. I have also been on training courses to learn the use of mainframe, COBOL and CICS & DB2. I am now being supported through embedding these skills within the office through tasks and projects relating to the training. I have also been encouraged to take learning into my own hands and seek out training courses and online learning which will help me progress in my role.

The program has been enjoyable. The team I work within has been very welcoming and makes it a great place to work! They have really made the experience so far. Communication from Early careers has been poor and the amount of time it took to start the apprenticeship was unnecessary. With the BPP program it is a standard 'one size fits all' course. This means that some of the coursework is very relevant however some is far from it. This has been done due to previous issues and although some things seem irrelevant the way the training has been provided has been good.

Our induction was carried out in two parts. Some parts of this were very useful however one speaker in particular (over both parts of the induction) felt like a waste of time. This was echoed through the apprentices, including those from previous years. The training through BPP has been good although it definitely took too long to start. This left lots of the apprentices unsure and with not much to do as departments had planned for us to have a reduced workload in the initial months to get used to balancing the workload. Departmental specific training has been good and support within the area is second to none. Early careers have definitely NOT been present enough throughout the experience and communication has been lacking. I feel fortunate to have been placed in an areas with lots of experience with apprentices to allow me to receive the required support. Overall I would say the course has been well structured within my area, but the overall structure of the apprenticeship needs looked into.

Support from my manager and his team has been brilliant. They have a lot of experience with apprentices in the area and this has been helpful through the initial months! The support available from Early Careers has been minimal. The level of communication has not been enough and needs improvement for future years.

Support from BPP has been good. My assessor is approachable and always does her best to help where possible. Due to issues with previous years of the apprenticeship BPP are working to the best of their ability to ensure that we are receiving the support that we should/need to be getting.

Currently, the training provided by BPP has not been entirely relevant to my job role however we have been sent on multiple training courses by RBS which has allowed me to receive the training required for my role. Training courses that are still to be completed with BPP will be more relevant to my role.

There is lots on offer at RBS. Employee led networks are massive at RBS and there is a group for anyone! As well as that, RBS encourages wellbeing through an APP available to staff. Offering team challenges such as walking distances over a period of time. There are lots of volunteering opportunities also available. They also offer an entrepreneurial academy which anybody can get involved in.

Yes

I have had a positive experience at RBS with very little to complain about. RBS offers great benefits and flexible working where required. There are so many opportunities within the company that are not just focussed on work. They promote having a healthy work-life balance which is important for everybody.

Be honest and Be yourself. Don't let the video interview put you off! Think about what you're applying for and if the role would actually suit you. Look into the values that RBS stands by, if these apply to you or something that you aspire to be then it is absolutely the right place for you.