Technical Academy Apprentice Review

The Technical Academy is a rotation based apprenticeship so our day to day depends on which rotation team we are currently in. I am currently in a team where my ad-hoc tasks include roles such as updated the advice framework and guidance with new information, tax figures or improvements. We also plan things within the Technical Academy aswell such as newsletters, presentations and work experience timetables. In the Technical Academy apprenticeship you are also expected to work towards your certificate in financial services and then your diploma. So revising for the exams is a regular day to day task.

Yes, I have learnt soft and technical skills whilst in the academy. Because you rotate into different teams, you are exposed to alot of different areas of the Business Development and Advice team at St James's Place which means you gain alot of technical knowledge just by being involved with tasks in your teams. In the Technical Academy, you have the opportunity to present often to help improve your public speaking and presenting skills. You will also have the opportunity to plan events such as the work experience students week plan, charitable volunteering days and the charitable foundation events with the early careers team.

To a strong extent. It is fun and you never get bored. Because your job role is always changing, you are always learning. We also get the opportunity to experience events and we travel across the country to other St James's Place offices and events. The early careers team get you meeting your future colleagues before you even join by organising keep warm days; to help you create some relationships before actually joining.

Very well organised. We are always busy with many different tasks but we are never given too much work to handle. We have 6 hours a week for apprenticeship tasks set by our apprenticeship provider and to revise for the exams which are included in the course. We have a clear plan set out from the start which helps us follow the path through the months. It allows us to aim for goals each month to eventually work our way to the end of the apprenticeship.

Nicola, our line manager, provides exceptional support, both for work-related issues and personal concerns, creating a safe and open environment for communication. We have weekly one-on-one meetings with both our line manager and rotation managers, offering regular opportunities to discuss any matters that arise. Additionally, the early careers team is always available to offer assistance and guidance whenever needed. Overall, the SJP environment is highly supportive, with individuals ready to help regardless of the issue.

Davies Learning provide a good amount of support by hosting connect and learn sessions and workshops to provide a revision session during the run up to our exams. Our core and enhanced learning tasks also relate to the qualifications we will be doing. This helps as it means we have constant revision tasks to help support us.

The training provided helps me understand the technical side of my job role better and therefore I can work more efficiently. The qualifications help me gain a better understanding of the industry and therefore my business which allows me to be more knowledgeable in my role. The qualifications we do give us a strong understanding of the industry which means if we want to go on and complete our diploma it will be easier because some of the information will cross over.

I play football on a Tuesday night with others from around the business and there are other clubs such as the choir and lunchtime learning. If we travel for events or to other SJP offices there are normally activities planned to help you interact with your team socially. Before joining SJP there are also keep warm sessions and social activity days organised by the early careers team to help build relationships before joining.

Yes

It is a great place to work. I feel supported, welcomed and I have the ability to grow my technical and soft skills.

Understand the business, industry and why you want the role.