Team Leader Review

by First Response Finance Limited

Rating

7.2/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Throughout my apprenticeship my role was to ensure the business we transact with are authorised correctly to offer vehicle finance through the FCA.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have developed many skills throughout my time at First Response Finance Limited. From even making a call to external businesses, communication skills, time management skills, people management skills to name a few.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I have enjoyed my programme however, it has been a lot of hard work and effort to ensure I succeed due to have to work a full time job 9-5 and being only allowed to complete any university work out of work hours.

6/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The programme is well structured and organised due to the apprenticeship running for 7 years now. Along with a lot of support for individuals with their internal university mentor and line manager.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I feel I received a lot of support however it was led by myself to ask for the support when needed. Even though I did have monthly catch ups however it was for me to seek the support when needed due to it being my degree and future.

7/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Whilst in university, I received support however the support was minimal whilst at work. The contact from university mentors at NTU was poor and I struggled with this.

4/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

It has helped me perform better to know the theory around people management and team based learning. However, I believe it is within the individual and what they have learnt within the work place to help them perform. The information learnt from university wasn't really linked to First Response Finance Limited therefore it is hard to link university to work.

6/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There are lots of things going on with the work place; - Morning meetings wed/fri for 1.5 hours - Quarterly team nights out - Company conference - Wed night football - Friday drinks - Conferences that link with the role

8/10

9a. Would you recommend First Response Finance Limited to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Even though to progress I believe it takes the individual to drive development into other roles. However, the culture and support is fantastic and the level of trust managers give is great.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to First Response Finance Limited?

Ensure you the time to complete a programme like this and are willing to give up a few social events in the short term to succeed in the long term. Be willing to work long hours either start early in the morning or stay late or even work over the weekend, what ever suits you life style best. But also ensure you can perform well within the day to day role at work and also achieve a 2:1 at university. It is possible if you plan your time well.