A3 Apprentice; Core Solutions, Technology Review

by NatWest

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.6/10

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

Performing various support duties and code amendments/repairs to train for an admin/support role.

8/10

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

Coding skills for rexx, jcl, some scl and sql, familiarity with mainframe software such as ispf and endevor

8/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

So far very much enjoying my apprenticeship, enjoying the work and the effort put into my training by my manager and team despite at times feeling clueless.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

"Freeform" would be how I describe the program, with courses being signed up individually rather than structured from the start

6/10

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

My manager and team lead, and co-workers are all very supportive of my assigned work and training/learning

9/10

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

At current direct support is limited due to nature of assigned coursework but support is there if needed

7/10

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

Too early to say - may be of questionable relevance due to the role.

6/10

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.)

Activities are available and made clear through work intranet and newsletters

8/10

9a. Would you recommend NatWest to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

The company pays well with good holidays, and has a very inviting work atmosphere from what I have seen, co-workers are very friendly and supportive with an abundance of help information available when needed.

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

I am unsure what tips to provide, I feel I got very lucky with the apprenticeship due to lack of IT qualifications.