software developer Review

My day to day consists of daily meetings to give updates to the team on how i am achieving the sprint goals. I will either be writing python scripts or setting up pipelines for our code or working on my modules for my apprenticeship. Sometimes might be other meetings through the day that i will need to attend and can be active.

Yes my python skills have boosted as at the beginning i had no clue how to do anything code related now i can confidently write scripts in python that are a high standard. I also gained a lot of team and communication skills as we work in a effective team we understand these are important.

I really enjoy the programme I feel i have the right learning to work ratio as i have time to work on my apprentice stuff but also not be taken away from the daily work i do here at NatWest. I also enjoy socialising with other apprentices as its a good chance to create friendships.

Organisation could be better I have had a few classes cancelled the day before they were meant to start this is a big problem as you have put in you will be off on training so may be out of loop with work being assigned to you. Also sometimes hard to get in contact with QA.

My employer has been great my line managers checks in every 2 weeks to see how i am getting on with the course. Also have the early career team who i can go to with any question or problem however at the start of my course i was left with 0 contact for weeks.

You have your QA reviewer he meets with you every couple of months to review modules and progress. Sometimes takes a while to respond to emails, texts etc when you could be stuck with something but overall usually happy to help with any issue you may have. Haven't had any face to face interaction due to covid but would like to see more of this.

I feel the modules and classes can be relevant to what i am doing here at the bank but not always so so feel i am doing a lot of work for something that i wont use any time soon. Classes can be boring just going through slide after slide more activity would be good

Yes i have been to many social events throughout the year these are a great opportunity to learn and create new networks around the bank. I went to an event with the executive team so had the opportunity to ask important questions and hear their experience of coming to natwest.

Yes

NatWest has such a great working community that i feel proud to be apart of everyone is treated with respect and your voice is heard. I hope to stay with the bank and progress throughout my career feel i have all the necessary help and tools to complete my apprenticeship to the best of my ability.

Research is key when applying understand the role you're applying for then dig deep into NatWest's CPCs behaviours which the bank expects. Also be confident and chatty within the interview stage and how you want to positively impact the bank when you join. All this should help you to gain a spot on the apprenticeship course.