Commercial and Private Banking Apprentice Review

I work in the Risk Analytics function within Tyl and handle a variety of roles, mainly focused on data. this includes: Database building/maintenance VBA Script writing Automation of existing processes data refreshes and generation of ad-hoc/regular reports support for various branch teams such as the Credit and On-boarding team

I have learnt a plethora of new skills whilst being a part of this team, and they arent limited to technical ones. i have learnt how to communicate to different business stakeholders in a way that engages them is clear and also provides them with what they need. i have learnt how to navigate the professional environment which was important as this is essentially my first proper job. My technical skills have greatly improved. specifically in regards to Microsoft Access, excel and even in coding languages such as Visual Basic, which i now use multiple times a week.

the team i am a part of is very small, and is very pivotal to the business. as the only analytics function within Middle Office, we need to know not just everything in our remit, but everything in everyone's remit, business wide. this provides a challenge for me but is also something i enjoy. there's no lack of work to do. there are lots of projects i can take on which are all of tangible benefit to the business which is very important to me. since there are only 3 of us, there is not too much rigidity in my methods. another thing i enjoy is the freedom. there is a sense of experimentality in the workplace. my team welcome new approaches to the work i do and allow me to go out and try new things.

the programme is structured well. the timetables have been designed in a was that i do have adequate time to work and study, although balancing this can be challenging. we are given a study day, and time off for lectures which i am very fortunate and grateful for as that time to focus specifically on uni is very important, especially around assignment time. the only lack is the communication between my employer and my uni. there isn't much and neither really know how i am without asking me. also the modules don't really coalesce with what im working on, but that's neither here nor there and i like doing different things to be honest.

my employer is very supportive. they make sure i am aware of people who can help should i need it and i have regular catchups with my manager/work manager to catch up on non-work stuff, such as my personal progression and how i am generally. there is a good team ethos too. people are always promoting collaboration and make a point to 'shout out' others when a piece of work has been done, even if that work is not always considered a business changing project. this has been me in the past.

I have great lecturers who are really good at what they teach. they are always willing to answer questions and even go as far as to stay behind to help with problems, or schedule individual sessions in their own time to help which is awesome! there are also good prep exercises which i do that the lecturer runs through so i feel as if im learning by doing which is important as i am a kinaesthetic learner

it helps me in building proficiency in my problem solving skills. e,g, in the programming unit i hasd to debug code and proceduraly run throgh each step. this helped me when running into errors during the data refresh at work that ive never come across. rather than trying to solve a big problem. i learnt to break it down into small steps and work procedurally.

There are a lot of various activities that are always going on. Lockdown hasnt stopped them at all! there's workshops on topics ranging from business practises, excel skills or even things like presenting and socio-economic topics such as diversity and Climate change there are fitness exercise classes that are run so people can start getting fit without needing to go to gym 5 days a week. there are also 'virtual' coffees and drinks for people to catch up on informally

Yes

Providing they are interested in the sector. Natwest is a brilliant company which does what they say: they champion potential. the environment is one which is full of colleagues that are really invested in your personal development. the support system is phenomenal and very open. unlike the stigma surrounding corporate spaces, working here i have felt collaborative every step of the way

Natwest is a BIG organisation. when i was applying i definitely was anxious and doubtful at times. but the main thing i have learned is it is the energy you decide to put out and into the business that decides how successful you are. mind over matter. my 'tip' is to cultivate that mindfulness. be positive and pro-active and show your drive and determination. but most importantly, ask yourself what your motivation is. know what you are trying to achieve as that will determine where you end up. As Seneca once said "if one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favourable"