Apprentice Business Analyst Review

My role as an apprentice business analyst varies depending on the work needing done. At the moment I have completing work to help towards an implementation and making sure all necessary changes to training are being picked up. I am also learning more on what a BA role does to support this implementation from start to finish.

I have gained skills on communication and I am developing my skills on organisation and being able to take notes more efficiently. I have developed new skills for using different technologies and software such as excel and the banks DDSM software. I am currently working on being able to work more efficiently with read and write software and also dragon software to support myself with having dyslexia.

I have enjoyed this apprentice programme vey much, it hasn't just given me an opportunity to work in a place I never thought was possible for me it has also given me the opportunity to develop myself as a person as well as showing support to help me develop a career.

The programme is good structure wise but I have felt it hasn't been well organised. I think once our roles have been made more clear to QA then this will change and it will then feel a lot more smooth and organised in that aspect. Natwest have been very organised as I have seen on making sure we are ok and doing well in our sections of the bank.

I have received so much support from NatWest and especially from my manager. They have supported me with having dyslexia and also having a disability which can impact my work. I am so surprised just how much they have done for me to feel at ease as well as organising so much to help me do my work more efficiently and also support me with the dyslexia by giving me software and training sessions to help me figure out ways to help me both in and out of work.

I have received support from QA, not as much as I expected or was told I would. They are busy and they do help when I ask questions. However, I found that I would have to email more than once unless I had included my manager in on emails regarding help with work or any questions regarding the apprenticeship its self.

I don't feel my apprenticeship gives me anything that helps with my role. So far I haven't done a course or anything which I can use or that I have found may possibly help me within my role or career in this role for future. I expect this should come later but at the moment there hasn't been anything.

I have been involved in the social committee within my domain in the bank, where myself and a graduate organised more than one game night over zoom. One was our Christmas party zoom call and the other was just a game show night over zoom. It was great to be able to do this and it also was good to get everyone together for a bit of a morale boost.

Yes

I have had several jobs in the past, NatWest has been the first to make me feel included as well as not ashamed to admit I have a learning difficulty or disability which could affect me at work. Instead they have been so supportive and helpful as well as understanding. I still feel that I can't believe it just how amazing they have been. It's the first time in a long time I have really enjoyed what I do and continue to do so. I am very thankful for the opportunity I have been given and hope to continue to grow in a career within NatWest.

Just be yourself, don't pretend to be someone else or what you think they want. As being yourself is what NatWest promote, they are really accepting of everyone and I mean everyone. Be eager to learn as there is so much opportunities within the bank to learn new skills and you can move around and learn new roles. If you are willing to put in the work and learn you will really love your job.