Compliance and Operational Risk Control Apprentice Review

My day to day tasks involve reviewing and challenging operation risk issues (ORIs) within the bank which is needed to minimize risk via identification and mitigation to ensure the bank is within risk appetite. I also get involved with the SOX process through approving changes requested by business divisions to processes.

I have definitely improved my time management and communication skills as I handle demands from both work and education. Managing these workloads has been critical for my self development as I have never done this before. I have also learnt how to prioritize more effectively in order to deliver work for deadlines.

I love being on this programme as I feel I am doing the maximum I can to further my career both professionally and educationally. I love that I am in a cohort of apprentices so I am not alone in this development. My team is brilliant and diverse, not much else you can ask for really :)

Though the programme is fairly well structured there is room for improvement here. Apprentices across all divisions should ideally have a standardized scheme in place in terms of study time. 10% allocated to studying and 10% allocated to off the job learning (training, skills coach meetings..). However this is not the case as some divisions receive 20% study time. This miscommunication could have made more clear during the induction week as it quite unfair.

My employer gives us all many avenues of support for whatever situation I may be facing whether is be in terms of my working life or my personal life and health. We have buddies to talk to and line managers to confide in when and if things get too overwhelming.

Fitch learning offers whole day courses for developing crucial skills as well 2 day course to help us with the qualification. We receive daily emails containing exam questions which has been helpful. We also have regular communication with our skills coach to aid us in terms of coursework and statements.

The qualification I am currently undertaking is very relevant for my day to day tasks as it covers a wide array of regulations from which my role stems from. Having an understanding of these regulations allows me to better perform my role as I appreciate the reason why we undertake specific processes.

WE HAVE A BRILLIANT GYM :) There are several societies that joiners can engage with as soon as they start based on individual interests. These societies host an array of events including networking sessions with different employees across the bank from different divisions. The apprentices also have a committee where they can get involved in fundraising for charities.

Yes

Hands down they had the best interview process. The company does what it says on the tin, it is actually diverse both in terms of the people and the mindsets. The people are genuinely so nice and easy to get along with. Great banter everywhere and brilliant place to become a whole rounded employee.

Be yourself, authentic, refreshing and confident. Plenty of research to do before the interview for preparation depending on which division you head into. Have faith in yourself and your abilities and make sure to read the news- this is very important. Otherwise enjoy the process! Its worthwhile to prepare for any potential questions they may ask.