Customer and operational risk apprentice Review

On a day to day basis I assist colleagues in data based tasks. This may involve using excel formulas to count the frequency of a certain risk/ event occurring. Furthermore, I may also do tasks such as reviewing websites and ensuring partners follow our rules as well as FCA guidelines.

One skill which I have learnt and majorly developed is Excel. before I started my apprenticeship, you could count the number of times I had used excel on one hand. Since then, I have gained a confident knowledge of excel basics as well as more advanced things like pivot tables.

One of the main reasons I enjoy my apprenticeship is because the support from everyone is next to nothing, everyone is always willing to help answer any questions or queries you may have. In fact, most of the time they will ask if any help is needed before you ask! This helps me enjoy it because I never feel as if I am completely lost and confused as someone will always help explain the situation or work, I am confused on.

I would say that the programme is very well organised and structured. The work/ apprenticeship split is very manageable, and everyone is understanding that you may not always be able to complete any other assignments at that time. On top of this, skills and knowledge workshops/ other webinars are split up, so they aren't too close together or too far from each other.

As mentioned previously, I receive a lot of support from my employer. The work/ apprenticeship split is manageable due to the fact that everyone that I work with is understanding that Imay not always be free to complete a task or help assist them. Furthermore, again as mentioned previously, if I ever become stuck or confused on a concept or task my colleagues almost jump to help me or direct me to someone or something that can explain it to me.

I receive support from my tutor through regular catchups where we discuss any issues, problems and positives that may need discussing at the time. On top of this, if I ever have a problem that isn't as urgent, I can message her through email or through the Davies/ Aptem website.

My training helps me to perform better in my role because it teaches me the foundations of insurance as a whole. This is useful because my role requires me to look at multiple different aspects and departments of the company as a whole. So due to my training I am beginning to understand phrases and concepts that may go un-taught in my day-to-day role.

One extra-curricular activity I participate in is being in the CORM engagement team. This is beneficial as I have learnt about things that I wouldn't have come in to contact with in my normal role; One skill being more confident in talking to new people. In the team we discuss ways to bring the team as a whole closer together as well as bringing important days and events to light, for example, World Cancer Day. From this we made and send out information about cancer and ways to donate to charities etc.

Yes

I would definitely recommend RSA to my friends or other people looking for apprenticeships. This is as the support, working environment and work/ apprenticeship/ life split is outstanding. On top of this, I personally have learnt loads, not just in knowledge but experiences and skills I can use in any aspect of my life.

One major thing I would advise on is try and get as much experience as possible before you apply. Any type of experience whether it is work experience or watching webinars all look good on your cv and will help you transition into your role as smoothly as possible. Furthermore, before your assessment centre, be as prepared as possible and make sure you have some knowledge about RSA as a company and the history of RSA.