Data Science Apprentice Review

The Data Science Apprenticeships is a 4 year scheme after which we will obtain a Data Science Degree. The scheme consists of rotating to new teams within the bank every 6 to 9 months. My role currently consists of building our data science capabilities in the bank. So on an average day, I will help develop end-to-end business cases, collaborate with my team, build predictive models, present findings to stakeholders and more.

I have learnt many skill since the start of my apprenticeship, from learning about programming and IT systems, to presenting for senior managers and speaking up. The main area of development has been in my self-confidence, having the ability to work with a variety of people, completing lots of different tasks and having a great support network really helps me improve how I communicate with others, and how I organise my day-to-day.

I really enjoy the data science apprenticeship as it allows me the ability to work with a variety of teams and people, understand the role data plays in the company, develop stakeholder management, learn from experts in the field and more. The cohort are all so friendly and supportive which makes the experience even more enjoyable!

As my programme is the first ever data science apprenticeship it is expected that for both our training providers and our internal supporting teams it is a learning curve. Only point to improve upon is transparency, we were initially informed that our apprenticeship would last 3 years, which has now been extended to 5 years. In addition, we recently found out internal employees will be joining us for the commencement of our level 5 (2nd year of uni) and will be completing the rest of our degree with us - which was quite a shock!

The support we are provided is amazing: - We have an apprentice manager who looks after us throughout our entire scheme and conducts our performance review each year - We have a buddy when we first start, to answer any questions we may have and lend a hand - We have a line manager and team-members who are our first point of contact for our day-to-day activities and tasks - We also have a Graduate and Apprentice Network ran by current people on the scheme who provided really useful resources and content, as well as run different events and workshops to help up improve our behaviours and skills

Currently we are in a transition period between training providers so most of what we do is SELF LEARNING. We have switched providers between our level 4 (foundation year uni) and level 5, so whilst we are working on a bridging module which teaches us more about maths and writing, there is less support. But I expect that to increase once our official term starts in September.

As mentioned previously, the transition between training providers and the waiting period for our next term to start means that we do self learning, so we can ensure what we choose to learn is related to the projects we work on. Before this, our training provider did provide really useful community content to help connect us all - but struggled to align our learning needs with our day to day tasks. (i.e. learning about a tool that we don't use in the bank...)

Yes! Plenty of activities, workshops and get-togethers to be involved in at work. This stems from having lots of people networks, including Women In Business, Social Mobility, Mental Wellbeing... Which all provide great content and virtual sessions. And depending on the department you're in, there are many extra events - from monthly townhalls to fun weekly quizzes to get us socializing! And everything is optional, so it's up to you what you fancy attending!

Yes

Santander have created a wonderful and inclusive culture! And specifically speaking as an apprentice, I've found you will be treated with the same respect as any other colleague, and given meaningful tasks! Also, for apprenticeships, there are no limits to what you can achieve! If you want to discover more about a new area of the business, you can start networking and grow your understandings from day one!

To anyone applying to Santander, make sure to demonstrate what you are passionate about, it's so easy to teach new skills but impossible to learn to be passionate! I'd focus on the 9 Santander Behaviours as we live by them! Lastly, if you are interested in apprenticeships - GO FOR IT! You've got nothing to loose if you try it, and you will be surprised by how much you can learn in such little time!