Apprentice Relationship Manager Review

My role is to support Corporate and Commercial Banking relationship managers with their portfolio, undertaking a number of duties involving credit & lending, products and services, Risk management. On a daily basis I will respond to customer requests, and where necessary liaise with internal departments of the Bank to form solutions for customers.

I have gained an insight into large sized businesses and their internal processes and how we support these customers from a finance and operational perspective. I have learned about a range of services we offer our commercial customers, including BACs facilities, Invoice Finance facilities, Foreign exchange, Trade Performance Bonds and general credit facilities (credit cards/ overdraft/ government CBILS loans )

I enjoy the programme as I am able to balance my time between on the job learning and my studies. I have been placed in a small team and have a great deal of knowledge to tap into, my colleagues have been very supportive and have allowed me to get stuck into different tasks.

The induction programme was a week long virtual induction which was very well organized and delivered, during a normal week i have a number of structured meetings and 1:1 coaching sessions with colleagues which is helpful, it is also important to keep this structure and contact going especially as we work from home during the pandemic

I receive support from a range of colleagues, including my immediate line manager, colleagues but also I receive support from our Local business support managers and I am able to seek support when required. I have also got a past-apprentice Buddy who I can have meetings with an ask any questions I need. For my studies aspect I have my BPP assessor Ashleigh who is on hand when required.

Having only just began this aspect of the programme I can't comment fully on this but so far I have held positive meetings with the training provider, and my learning has been laid out clearly for me, I am aware of where I need to go for help once the formal qualification work is underway

The qualification will help me on the day to day aspects of the job as it will improve my general knowledge of banking and finance and enable me to provide a better service to customers, having already been in banking for a number of years I am fortunate to have a good base knowledge however the qualification will be a useful addition to my CV and will help me obtain future roles hopefully

They're are a number of employee led networks (ELNs) at NatWest Group that are available to join, these range from disability support networks, LGBT, BAME etc and the RBS Aspire Network who's purpose is to provide career development events, we also take part in the annual Kilt Walk to raise funds, this would normally be undertaking in a team basis but this year will be done in smaller groups due to the pandemic.

Yes

NatWest is a welcoming organization to new starters, and has a wealth of different functions and teams that you can plan your career around. Our technology and systems are up to date and reliable, especially for full time home-workers. NatWest are also committed to climate change and are leading the way with this movement.

I would, where possible speak to the hiring manager and get a feel for the role you are applying for, as sometimes the job advert can be different from the reality of the role. I would say to anyone applying to NatWest that you will be joining a forward thinking organization with an important purpose in society.