Technology Apprentice Review

I work in a specific department within the mainframe team for a large bank. I do things like monitor activity, respond to queries in a mailbox, right code to automate tasks, work on projects with other teams in the bank, escalate issues with product providers and maintenance and upkeep of systems.

Definitely. At work I've learned coding, accessing and navigating a mainframe through a terminal emulator, timekeeping, communication, dealing with internal customers, managing expectations, networking, note taking among other things. And through the coursework I've been taught things like networks, testing, security and governance and the importance of each of these.

It is really good. I've learnt a lot and I continue to learn a lot more. There is plenty of opportunity to improve yourself and to make a career out of the apprenticeship. I am kept very busy and given plenty to do, this includes, work, training and learning.

The very specific team I'm in just now has not had an apprentice before, so they're still getting used to it and how to approach it. But they have done very well considering. The course company (separate for the company I work for) are a lot less organise, but they are making improvements, so they will likely be better than the experience I've had.

My employer has been great, they give me the time I need and don't push me too hard when they know I have course work to be getting on with. I also had an accident (not at work) and was injured, so I've had loads of help and understanding around this and getting back into work after it.

To begin with, the support wasn't great with the training provider, but again this is being changed and improved as the training provider has taken on feedback. So, hopefully this is something that will improve for future apprentices, I think I was just unlucky with the timing of it all.

Because of how specific my role is, it hasn't been covered by the training course. This can be a very differen manner for other apprentices. Because I work in a specific area of mainframe, it isn't covered by a basic IT apprenticeship. Although there has been some transferable skills or knowledge. For example, the security we covered in the course was more based around a normal desktop computer network, where as we use an already secure mainframe environment. But security also just made us aware of the importance of it and the laws and governance around it, which can at least be comparable to what we need to think about.

My employer has a vast amount of extra-curricular activities, from Coding Club through to sports/social activities. There are a whole host of networking opportunities provided by my employer and it's very easy to get involved. There are even volunteering opportunities to help out communities in your area which can be very rewarding.

Yes

Most of the reasons have already been mentioned above. They are very understanding and supportive. They have a whole host of career opportunities and are great at helping you with this. The campus has sports facilities, a gym, a swimming pool, plenty of nice walks around and a large canteen, Tesco and cafes for food and drink on site.

Be yourself. Be interested and curious. Do some research and be conscious of what you say in your application form. When you get an interview, rehearsal is a great way to be ready, whether it's in the mirror or with someone you know. Look into the current RBS vision and aims of the business and do what you can to align with that.