Analyst Review

The Technology Development Program offers people with no previous experience of IT and coding, the opportunity to learn and work in this business area. The experience is a year and a half and then you roll off the program into a role you are confident to work at. It is for career changers and people with an interest in technology but no formal training before.

Everyone goes through a five week technology boot-camp where we learn the basics of coding and learning how to code. It was an intense training but the trainer makes sure you understand by building on what they previously taught you. Then I was put in a business area where I learned another computer program and was able to sit for an examination for certification.

This has been a life changing opportunity and I really enjoyed every day. There was a lot of learning but it was never too much to handle. The great thing is that I am being paid as a full-time employee so there is no out of pocket expense for being educated in technology.

Nationwide Building Society has a well constructed program for the TDP and there have been many people going through the program each year. There are managers who put you in appropriate business areas and they help you get experience on the job. The entire program has people from all over the country so they need to be organised to send equipment and coordinate everything.

The company culture is focused on community values and each employee is actually a member of the mutual society. They focus on what it is like to work together in teams and appreciate others within the society. It is a very caring environment and people are very supportive of each other. Although we are mostly all working remotely they very much want to connect and provide opportunities for virtual meetings.

The Technology Development Program experience provided everything to continue with my future career path. It gave me the skills and the ability to perform to the best of my ability. It was not just a learning but also being part of a team and working in a role in technology.

Yes, the Technology Development Program is a full-time permanent employment. Once you roll off the program you will be paid an Engineering salary, but you are paid to learn while you are on the program. There is no travel as I am working from home, but travel and meals would be covered if I travelled outside my location area.

There were many opportunities for connecting online with Microsoft Teams and all the training was done on the computer. There was not much face-to-face networking in person because of the pandemic but they do try to have social events and I went to a BBQ where many people in the program were able to meet.

Yes

I agree with the company culture and I think that the people working there are all just wanting to do the best they can for the member customers. It is a very caring environment with inclusion and diversity part of the business culture. The managers are genuine and want you to succeed.

It is important to be your authentic self when applying. There is an extensive interview process, and it is very intense at times, but don't be put off by it. They are just trying to find out if you are a good fit for the program and whether you are driven to succeed. If you do not get into the program, try again! It could be there are just too many people applying at that time.