Apprentice Review

I deliver against specific performance goals, as agreed with my line manager I complete all requirements of the Apprenticeship programme, as detailed in the apprenticeship learning plan, within the set timelines. I complete my relevant professional qualification through technical training as required for my job which is included in the apprenticeship programme.

I am improving my ability to manage my time effectively and prioritise my work, I am learning a proactive and inquisitive mind-set, with the ability to challenge myself and offer solutions. I am gaining strong numerical and logical skills, the ability to maintain a strong customer focus and an innovative and creative mind-set.

I really like that my company puts career growth front and centre throughout. The in-house training on relevant software and programs allows me to get hands on learning while also learning the theory from the apprenticeship provider. This emphasis on career growth is one of the things that appealed to me most about this job, and which really excites me about my future prospects.

The structure is blended learning which provides an opportunity to enable me to gradually take more responsibility for my learning, but within a ‘safe’ structure of regularly scheduled sessions with my training provider, where I have to report on any work I have been required to do. I learn on the job a lot and shadow some of my colleagues. I am also required to attend graded "classroom" sessions.

I am a member of a five-person team, and we work together on a variety of large-scale projects where each of us is responsible for one part of the project. I really enjoy the teamwork aspect of the job, and I like seeing how all the pieces of our projects came together in the end. The teamwork aspect of the job is something that greatly appeals to me, because I typically end up learning a lot about what I'm capable of when working in synch with others.

It is still very early in my journey to gaining my qualification, I have received comprehensive on boarding from my training provider. They have met with me to discuss the timeline of my workload and assessments and have given me a single point of contact should I have any problems or concerns or require support. I have regular meetings arranged and a clear Idea of what I am expected to accomplish and by when.

I am really looking forward to the hands of classroom activities offered by my training provider. I am thus far being given learning from the foundation level up and progressing though to the more relevant and challenging aspects of my qualification, at a steady pace, which will enable me to use what I am learning. A solid foundation is key.

There are a huge amount of extra curricular and social activities to get involved with in and participate in. While we have been going through the limitations of the current pandemic, my employer has offered a huge amount of support and continued to deliver many of these groups and activities through online channels.

Yes

NatWest has to be the best company I have had the pleasure of working for in my varied career. I have been offered so much help and support through every endeavour I have undertaken. There is always someone I can turn to when I am not sure of anything and I am always received with a smile. I have not been pressured to work outside of my comfort zone and have never faced any office politics or experienced any negativity from anyone!

If you see and opportunity within the group do not give it a second thought and make sure that you apply, you will not regret it. The organisation is so large and dynamic that there are always new opportunities and support available to you. When applying just be honest and open and true to yourself.