Risk Solutions Group Apprentice Review

My role within Risk solutions group (RSG) is in business management which means I assist a team of (60 people in total). RSG work with derivatives, interest rate swaps, cross currency swaps any other market related activity. This means I help the team with the reporting of trades on a weekly basis, any invoicing regarding a trade and pretty much anything else they might need help with (settting up new starter to organising the Christmas party).

I have learnt so many skills! Excel, powerpoint and outlook skills have improved massively- as the business moves so fast, you're forced to adapt and learn quickly too which always helps. I also have improved my communication skills as I work with a range of people from analysts to executive senior managers.

The programme is amazing as you learn things that university would not be able to teach you. It can be challenging having to balance your degree alongside your banking job as both are quite demanding but as time has progressed, I have been able to find a routine to manage both aspects effectively. I also thrive in environments where there is a lot to learn- so basically, really enjoying it!

Honestly, as it was we were the first cohort, it was a bit difficult to start with, with some miscommunication on a few issues however, as time has progressed, it's been good. I think it's difficult for it to be perfect because all apprentices are on very different placements so it can hard to manage however the support has been great.

My employer has been really supportive by offering me a performance manager coach along with a line manager who is also really supportive. They both have been detrimental to the programme and my progress as it was at first, daunting starting a new corporate job having no prior experience. I'm grateful for the support they have given me.

BPP is a good training provider, they provide us with books, flashcards, revision books along with other useful links. The webinars have been good although I think engagement is always limited when its online rather than face-to-face. I think it helps that the job is related to the degree so in some aspects, it makes it easier. The support from the BPP support coach however, has been incredible.

Very much! I didn't think it would relate as much as it does. The risk module has many links to my job including credit risk models or using derivatives to hedge risks. This has helped me perform better in both the qualification and the job as it allows me to better understand products or processes in my role.

Not really, I think as RSG already work long hours (average about 10-12 hours a day per person), it can be hard to get around some extra-curricular activities. However, we do have regular Townhall events where we recap on the quarter and have a socialable evening over drinks. We also host a Christmas party (last year we went to bowling and burgers).

Yes

They offer amazing apprenticeship schemes! Apprenticeships schemes, in my opinion, are a better route than university as you will gain experience in a real life job that will be applicable in any future career you might want. Also. Santander offer degree apprenticeships, so they pay for your degree, pay you a salary and you get tones of experience from it! It's a no brainer.

The cliché of be yourself! Read up on the scheme or job you're applying for, find out some cool facts about it ahead of the interview to set yourself apart from the rest of the applicants. Also, to know some good things Santander do for the environment, women employees and for young talent would be helpful.