Bank assistant Review

Branch Bank assistant in retail banking network, dealing with both existing and new customers, opening accounts, servicing existing accounts, dealing with queries feedback and complaints. Cash and handling, including balancing, filling and emptying self service machines.

Yes studying the cert RBCB text book and sitting the exam was very useful to my role and gave me an overall experience of the banking industry as a whole rather than just the experiences I had dealt with within the branch I worked in.

The first part of the program which included studying the RBCB textbook and sitting an exam was great and relevant for someone who had not had any prior banking experience like myself. The second part which involved coursework, gathering examples and an end point assessment was both not relevant and not feasible in a busy branch environment. it was not possible for me to dedicate 20% of my time to my apprenticeship and still reach all of my expectations for my role and the 20% time allowance given was not enough to complete the level of coursework needed. I found this part of the apprenticeship and the level of work expected extremely stressful and unnecessary when the exam had already been passed.

Again the first part of the apprenticeship which includes studying the RBCB textbook and sitting an exam, as well as completing coursework on tessello is well structured and feasible within a busy branch network. The second part including coursework and end point assessment is completely disorganised.

My line manager was extremely supportive of my apprenticeship, however she herself was unaware of much work she would have to complete on behalf of me, with regards to observations etc. in order for me to pass my apprenticeship. this added extra pressure to her already busy schedule. I also found that HSBC as a whole were not very supportive, I had numerous log on issues which they were unable to resolve due to their firewalling, meaning I had to use a personal device to complete some of my coursework. I also found that my expectations remained the same, even though 20% of my working week was supposed to be dedicated to my apprenticeship. This meant that my expectations were unachievable and therefore could have affected my end of year review as compared to my peers I had not scored as highly as I would have done if 100% of my time had been dedicated to my role.

through no fault of my own, I have had a total of 4 different tutors whilst completing a 15 month course, which whilst they were all great in giving support, I found that each tutor works in their own way, so just as I was getting used to the way one worked, they were then replaced with someone else, making the course increasingly difficult as I felt like I was starting all over again with each tutor.

Again the first part of the course has taught me a lot about the industry so is extremely relevant. The second part has been a hindrance on my role as I have felt like I can not perform my role and meet my expectations due to the level of coursework expected.

not really, at head office yes, within branch network no.

Yes

HSBC is a great company to work for with lots of opportunities to progress. However I do think they need to review the apprenticeship program they offer as it is not feasible in a busy branch network. I also found that I had log on issues with certain programs I was expected to use to complete the course. This is due to HSBC firewalling external websites. I think if they want and encourage their employees to complete an apprenticeship then they should provide them with a device that they can use for said apprenticeship such as a laptop or tablet whilst they are at work.

Make sure to find out exactly what the apprenticeship involves and the level of work expected before applying, as this was not properly explained to me and I found the workload stressful and unachievable when also trying to meet my expectations.