Apprentice Review

by NatWest

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Installing, maintaining and supporting IBM and 3rd Party Infrastructure on the mainframe.

7/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learned all of my current knowledge on mainframes and infrastructure whilst in this role. I have also continued to develop my communication and problem solving skills.

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy my role. The actual apprentice side of things could've gone smoother, with better communication. Unfortunately, they apprentice provider didn't offer any courses relevant to my role, so whilst I learned various different things, they aren't very applicable to my role.

7/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The structure was good, although it could be condensed down quite a lot. The check ins were useful.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

All the support I need.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Was hit and miss. Sometimes they would be very responsive, other times you would have to chase them for replies. However, the replies provided were supportive.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

The qualification didn't provide any directly relevant training/qualifications for my specific role. However, they could potentially be useful in the future, if I decide to move into other IT roles.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

There have been a few apprentice-networking style events.

7/10

9a. Would you recommend NatWest to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Great work life balance. Being able to work from home is a HUGE benefit nowadays. The salary is pretty good, the support you receive is good and there is plenty of opportunities to learn and develop.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest?

Go for it. It's a great place to work.