Renewals Apprentice Review

My job role includes underwriting loans for customers. Speaking to customers daily and using my skills to asses the risk of a customers application for finance. Essentially i make the decision as to if First Response should lend money to the customer applying. Another important aspect of my job is being involved in projects. I have heavily influenced the redevelopment of the firms personal loan product and also re-design of the products promotions.

One of the key skills i have learnt is project management. Coupled with my knowledge from university i have earnt the opportunity to lead and be involved in product developments and projects with senior management. This has also impacted my ability to build sustainable and strong collaborative relationships with colleagues and communicate effectively on a personal and company wide level.

Generally the course is ran well. There have been a number of unexpected changes throughout the course, involving the specification for the degree. Further, to this - these changes have generally been communicated well, improving throughout the duration of the course. I think the amount of content and the assignment structures have been well managed.

Initially, we received a lot of support. Especially in the first year of the course. This however has decreased since growing through the course & gaining more experience. However, the support is always there as and when needed, as opposed to being checked up on we are able to book in support sessions when needed and do have regular catch ups

The training provider is spot on in my opinion. The only feedback I would give is that on some assignments there has been little to no feedback given from the assessor as to how to improve on the grades given, further to this sometimes emails are missed and with us being apprentices we are only in the uni a small amount of time. I think in general though the support we get is great and I always go into an assignment knowing fully what is required from me

Certainly. I think the knowledge i have gained throughout the course in the variety of modules undertaken has helped me within my role. Firstly, it has forced me to consider the business from different perspectives to that i hadn't before which had helped me in identifying development areas within the projects i have been involved in

Yes, the business has ran wellbeing days for the company, where we have done a range of activities from mindfulness and yoga to cooking and magic. We did also have a 5-a-side football activity going for a while, however due to a number of issues including staff injury this was stopped.

Yes

The wider company benefits are something that i think are really valuable to an employee; the firm put a good amount into pension and there are other benefits such as medical insurance and schemes such as cycle to work. Further, the work environment is positive and the people who we work with are all supportive and pleasant

I would urge any applicants to be themselves. First Response has quite a strong culture, and if the employee doesn't fit within the vision and values of the firm they may find it difficult to work here long term, so its important to be yourself to ensure First Response are the right fit for you as well as you being suitable for a role within the company.