Apprentice Review

I am currently on a four-year rotation within the bank, and I am currently on my first placement. My current role involves the preparation of month end reporting and is not based on daily tasks but more the preparation for the end of the month and then the actual month end. This is involves working a multitude of teams and business areas to complete the process within set timeframes.

Having previously studied Accounting at college I had a base level of knowledge which has increased massively since joining the apprentice programme. I am continuously learning about new concepts and terms and building a breadth of knowledge across the bank. NatWest offers fantastic training opportunities including the Entrepreneurial Development Academy which has been invaluable to getting into the mindset of the bank.

I find the role extremely challenging and will be honest in admitting the first few weeks were mentally very difficult. I am now in a better swing of things and have really come to enjoy the challenges I face on a daily basis. The culture of the bank is excellent, and they do want you to succeed in your chosen field. There are amble opportunities to network internal and external to your apprentice programme.

I am currently only a few weeks in to my first placement and have found there to be a lack of structure in regard to the day-to-day tasks, but this has really pushed me to be self-sufficient and go out on my own to find answers and ask questions. I am not due to start my accountancy degree until September, so no information has been provided in relation to that as of yet.

The bank has a great support system in place for apprentices and plenty opportunities to raise concerns and ask questions if required. I have a mentor who will be with me through the programme but there is also apprentice and graduate councils who offer events and support in relation to development. I have not yet started my accountancy degree, so I am not aware of the support in place for that.

As previously stated, I have not yet had the opportunity to start my accountancy degree with Robert Gordon University so cannot comment on the support they will offer. Having investigated the course on their website there appears to be multiple methods of delivery for the programme and support available depending on individual learners needs.

As previously stated, I have not yet had the opportunity to start my accountancy degree with Robert Gordon University so cannot comment on the qualification and how it will help me in the role. Having looked into the course on their website and the modules being studied each year it appears there is reoccurring themes throughout which align the tasks I am involved in, in my current placement.

Unfortunately, due to covid and not having been in the office yet I have not been able to take advantage of any extra-curricular activities but there has been a real effort in the bank to still have events virtually. This includes virtual coffee events and employee led networks lunch and learns etc.

Yes

The bank itself is challenging but excellent for personal and professional growth. There is support available and a multitude of opportunities to get involved in, internal and external to your apprenticeship. There is an excellent rewards package with great pension funding and loads of additional options should you wish to choose including share save.

Preparation is key for the interview. You will be given information on the Critical People Capabilities (CPCs) these are at the heart of Natwest in everything they do so make sure your study them and tailor your examples to include these. In addition to this I would advise doing your research on the company's history as this can help with understanding the bank as a whole.