Service Analyst Review

I currently support many highly important systems within the bank, which have a affect on customers day to day banking, providing fixes and workarounds to issues. I use COBOL programming languages more often than not, and write SQL to assist in the analysis of root cause for many issues I come across.

I have learned many programming languages, and now know how to set up my home network, have a better understanding of how to get more from my home PC, as well as having opened my mind to other subjects I had previously never taken any interest in, this has helped me to improve in and out of work.

I really enjoy the work based side, however, I find that BPP as apprenticeship providers for the technology side have been abysmal. They have missed almost every one of their own defined deadlines, and failed to provide us with the assistance we require. They have been less than helpful, and regularly lied to us to avoid embarrassment.

There is little to no organisation to the program from BPP, they have failed to organise anything as of yet, and currently we are awaiting the final module to be sent to us even though the deadline they have given us is tomorrow, they have yet to send the final piece. There is no structure to the programme, only the final draft of the courses that we have attended towards the end of our apprenticeship.

I have received a lot of support from my employer, I have been given the push to take on challenging work, assistance with my essays, and been given many opportunities to take on training outwith the team to expand my knowledge. RBS has been brilliant in the growth of my knowledge and understanding in relation to my course.

There is practically no support available from the training provider. When I have asked for assistance, I have only been given an extension, and no further help with the section I have been having trouble with. This has simply led me to having to ask other apprentices and members of my team if they are aware of the subject, and if they can offer any assistance.

The qualification I have completed is relatively useful in some aspects, but I find that the majority of the courses have been entirely irrelevant to my role within technology for a financial business. There has been no real programming courses provided, so I have mainly self taught myself a number of languages (Basics) in order to be able to progress within my role.

There is always something going on in RBS that you can be part of if you would like to be. Included in that is an apprenticeship and graduate programmes to have a competition bringing together apprentices and graduates from the UK and India to come up with a new innovative idea for the bank.

Yes

RBS offers a brilliant salary, great life coaching, personal support, financial advice, and the opportunity to buy shares within the company to use as a form of savings account, as you can buy the shares at a lower price, and sell them at the end of the account period. There is a great sense of team work, and a group effort in RBS, the atmosphere is brilliant, and I can honestly say I am always happy coming into work.

Don't be afraid, and don't come into the company thinking it is as it was 20-30 years ago. There is no hard going bosses trying to pressure you into anything that you shouldn't be doing, there are no villains in the business, you can be yourself, and you will be praised for it in every way imaginable. Just, be you!