Systems Programmer Review

My role is a varied role, in which no two days are the same. In one day I can switch from consulting on cryptographic applications, to building a virtualised server for Linux testing and development. Having such variety requires a lot of discussions with fellow programmers and a lot of reading of program manuals to understand in a greater detail the concepts I'm dealing with.

While working for RBS i have gained a variety of new skills from Encryption Programming, to learning a variety of new programming languages such as REXX, RACF,JCL, ICSF, COBOL, Java. I have also been exposed to a variety of different teams and departments thanks to RBS, and managed to get my hands on hardware to play with also. Skills from BPP - None.

I enjoy the role I perform at RBS, and RBS is a fantastic company to work for, full or diversity, knowledge and with a flexible working policy. However, the learning experience with BPP has been painful, and unfulfilling experience to which I have learned very little, other than my opinions apparently need to be evidence by providing BPP screenshots from a video they made me watch.

The structure of the programme from BPP looked promising, and RBS has put me through some fantastic training courses however BPP could not even stick to their own plan, let alone keep up with the marking of our work. I have now passed the completion date for my apprenticeship coursework and I am still waiting to receive my last assignment to complete.

My employer has been fantastic throughout and has given me all the support I need. Especially when I have had issues with my training provider BPP. Their flexible working policy also means I can work from home or other offices when I need to. Both my managers have also been extremely supportive.

Extremely little. When I sent emails asking questions they often went ignored, and when help was asked for in a face to face review I was just blindly offered an extension to my deadline, without clarification on the issues that were holding me back. My assessor appeared to be learning the course work at the same time as me, which made things very slow and difficult.

I feel that had the course been structured differently from the start it would have been a great benefit.. However just being asked to watch a video and then write an essay on it by BPP has had no impact on my performance at RBS. My performance at RBS has improved purely due to fantastic trainers within the company.

Yes, through RBS there are many extra curricular activities any employee can be involved in. Outwith team arranged night and day events, you can sign up to a variety of volunteering days, and sports events. There are also many social networks within RBS to support different facets of our community to which any employee can also get involved with.

Yes

RBS has been a great employer to me, and has supported my development where BPP have failed. They recognised the issue with BPP was severe and took steps to ensure this did not impact my career development. RBS is an extremely inclusive organisation, and goes out of its way to make everyone comfortable.

Be prepared for a 2 year exercise in patience if they continue to use BPP as your learning provider. RBS as a company? Great! Take advantage of every opportunity they throw at you, and you will go far. Network network, network! The people in all departments have been fantastic to me and have helped me learn a lot.