Underwriter Review

Currently in my role I am on a team leader secondment, which means i am leading a team of four. While in my role as an underwriter I evaluate the risk associated with applications for finance and determine if as a business it is viable to lend a customer money for a new vehicle.

I have learnt a lot of new skills. The KSB's really put these into perspective as to what I have improved and worked on over my apprenticeship. I would say that I have developed skills in leading and managing others, while also developing my project management skills. These have put me in a good position for my secondment.

While completing the programme I found it really enjoyable. The sessions in uni were interesting and interactive, while also being relatable to work, this meant i could apply the learning in the day job/back at my organisation. I did find that work found extra opportunities to develop things like projects, which my peers at uni didn't sometimes get so much opportunity or support, which i was grateful to my company for.

I found that the structure of the programme developed so much during the 4-years that i was at uni that work completed in first year on KSB's & the project wasn't relevant at the end, this was mainly due to changes within man met. Additionally, i found that my first mentor at uni didn't really know what was going on in the first year, but then we got a new mentor and it was a much better experience.

I feel i have been and continue to be really supported as an apprentice at first response. The organisation value apprentices, and also give us a lot of trust and responsibility to deliver in different areas, such as projects & change groups. The business invest in us and give us a work mentor which really helps.

As mentioned there seemed to be so many changes throughout the programme. However, in spite of this I always felt well supported, Liam was my mentor after year 1 and he was really good at catching up and updating any changes. The lecturers were really knowledgeable and accessible which defiantly helped throughout the course.

I feel that the knowledge I have built has assisted me in getting a career progression, less than 12months since finishing the course. I have been able to go into a group of experienced leaders and add valuable contributions through the knowledge and skills i have picked up as a direct result of completing this course.

The organisation offer a quarterly team budget, this can be spent on anything the team want to do. For example, we have done mini-golf, team meals, alton towers etc. This budget is £32.5 p/team member, and is really good for building relationships within the team. There aren't any sports activities anymore but these have happened in the past and we have an annual conference where all 3x sites come together for a company wide update and networking.

Yes

I would (and have) recommend First Response to a friend. The organisation really do care about their people. They give people the chance and opportunities to develop in whichever way they want. The additional benefits offered such as medical insurance through WPA, pension scheme and others really make it a good place to work.

Be yourself. At First Response we do assessment days, so the assessor will identify through the course of a day if you are putting a front on. Additionally, its important to be yourself to really understand if working at First Response Finance is a fit for you as we do have a strong work culture and values.