Degree Apprentice Review

As an apprentice four days a week I support my team at desk. Here I update marketing materials for pitches, take minutes for meetings and support my wider team by taking responsibility in completing client and internal databases. These are just some of the tasks and responsibilities I carry out on a day-to-day basis. But there is great flexibility in my role as no two days are the same, I am constantly learning which I think is one of the best things about apprenticeships.

Being an apprentice I have been able to develop my existing skills and learn new skills. The apprenticeship has excelled my communication skills, enabling me to cater for a wider audience and improved my attention to detail. Additionally I have learnt how to network within the bank, which is crucial for career longevity. Whilst I have learnt some great technical skills from courses provided by my employer and on the job learning.

I thoroughly enjoy the degree apprenticeship programme. The combination of practical and theoretical learning is is great. Not only do I get to expand my knowledge by undertaking a degree and professional qualifications, I too get the chance to support my team in a professional role. Surrounded by industry experts who have a bulk of experience to learn from. Though there is a lot to learn being surrounded by a supportive team, employer and industry partner, makes it all the more enjoyable.

The programme is well structured. 80% of my time is spent at desk where I support my team. Whilst the other 20% of my time is spent studying towards my degree and professional qualifications. The work aspect is structured well. We have protected hours of 9-5 and I have regular catch-ups with my manager and team members to check my development and see how I can further improve. The study aspect too is structured well. With lectures held weekly, lecturers offering office hours to support my learning as well as a virtual learning environment being available with lots of resources to use. The only downfall is from my experience the work structure can be different team to team. Some teams are more understanding of the 9-5 hours and university commitments of a degree apprentice, whilst others are not.

The support offered from my employer is undisputable. In my team I have a buddy as a direct contact for specific questions and my line manager is very keen on my development yet is cognizant of my university commitments, which is important. I also have an apprentice buddy which I can go to for any questions relating to the apprenticeship who can provide help first hand. I have a mentor who helps me tackle career challenges. Additionally there is an apprentice team I meet with who I can discuss any concerns with. The support offered cannot be faulted!

The support offered by my training provider likewise is strong. I have lecturers who provide weekly lectures and masterclasses. Also they offer weekly office hours where I can book a slot and talk about my learning one to one. There is a degree apprenticeship team as well who help support my wider learning and provide help with booking exams and wellbeing. Finally I have an academic mentor that helps me with my apprenticeship standard. Again lots of support is available, which is great.

The qualifications provided by my training provider are very interesting. The qualifications and their required content essentially provide a holistic overview of the financial service industry. However for my role in particular as it is rather niche the qualifications are not always applicable. Certain content is useful whilst other content is less so. But if I was to change teams I have a great foundation of knowledge which certainly could come in handy.

There are lots of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. Firstly there are networks within the firm you can join that provide social events where you can meet others. Also my team often hold social events like team dinners and drinks. Additionally on the apprenticeship side events are held under the apprenticenet, which enable me to meet other apprentices in my company and take part in some fun activities like quizzes, networking opportunities and dinners. Finally there are sporting clubs like netball and football anyone is welcome to join.

Yes

UBS is a great employer. The culture is standout, collaborative, forward thinking and innovative, making everyday an opportunity to learn. The firm values it employees from a junior to a senior level, there is no hierarchical structure everyone is friendly and always can spare 5 minutes to lend a hand.

Advice I would give to those applying is firstly, know the company. Do you research this will really make you stand out in the application process. Also being prepared is important, failure to prepare is preparing to fail. Finally be yourself as generic as it sounds the company does not employ a particular individual, it prides itself on its diversity, which is a strength of the firm.