Level 3 financial crime apprentice Review

During the apprenticeship you have the opportunity to do placements in at least 3 roles throughout financial crime. These rotations could be in SARU (suspicious activity reporting),CDD, transaction monitoring etc. During the day you will have meetings with your team and manager as well as use a variety of systems to analyse customer information.

The program focuses on lots of transferable skills. I have learnt analysis and problem solving skills by having to make decisions based on whether or not a customer profile matches or if they are a risk. I have improved my communicating skills by presenting in team meetings using a variety of methods including power points. Presenting while working from home has been a different experience.

I enjoy the programme because it gives you the chance to do a variety of jobs in different placements. I would like it better if we got the chance to do more placements so that we had a broader range of experiences. The work is challenging enough to be interesting.

The programme is well structured with a very detailed induction at the start. You will have regular meetings with the apprenticeship provider especially when a new assignment is set and they also provide catch up calls to review your progress. It is also organised as every apprentice has a specific manager throughout the whole programme.

I receive a lot of support. Santander have well being support for anyone who needs it. I am also provided with sufficient training and know that my manger is always willing to help and provide support. I always know what to do if I need help or have questions to ask.

The training provider has a hub containing all the information we need and a coach catches up with us every 6 weeks. An improvement could be more support during the introduction of new assignments as the task isn't always well explained. However, there is always somewhere to ask questions

There are two parts to the qualification. One part is very focused on industry knowledge and regulations. This is very useful when working in a bank. The other part is focused on personal development. This is less useful in my day to day role but has allowed me to practice specific skills.

I joined the company during the covid 19 pandemic and have therefore not been into office yet. I think that there are usually volunteering and team bonding activities. Although we work from home, there have been online only team activities such as quizzes and a virtual escape room to allow a social aspect.

Yes

I feel supported and happy during my time at work and think that this apprenticeship is varied and interesting. This is a very good step into a financial crime role as it could be hard to gain experience otherwise. Santander is a good company to work for and provides lots of training and support

You need to be prepared to speak up with your ideas and present to big teams and be confident to talk to others and network. Exposure to all areas of financial crime is interesting and can only be fully reached when you reach out and network with your colleagues. You should be interested in preventing financial crime. Ask for clarification on your interview of Exactly what your role will entail