Data Scientist Apprentice Review

Item: Data Scientist Apprentice at Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Rating: 4.6
Author: Anonymous

at Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Information Technology, Finance, Science

Stratford, Greater London

Review Submitted: July 2020

Overall Rating

4.6 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of Role

4/5 - Skills Development

4.2/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

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

4/5

This involves me participating in projects, training programmes as well as learning skills through other colleagues and from other resources. Attend meetings to discuss ideas related to the project, skills that need improving and how it can be done. If help is needed, colleagues will guide you in order for you to accomplish your task. I would have meetings with my manager regularly to discuss anything that is work-related or not. I would work in projects outside my department to understand what the role of their department is.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

I enjoy this programme as I'm studying and working at the same time. I participate in real-world big projects where I would put my skills to use and if there are any problems I would discuss with my colleagues to ensure the code I executed or if there's an alternative way. I would do assignments which are are evaluated by the Cambridge Spark's marking system (K.A.T.E) which would identify where you have made the mistakes in your coding and if you still aren't able to do it you can ask for further resistance. Following the programme's plan there are lot more skills to learn which makes this programme more interesting. We will be doing project portfolios to write down where and how we have shown the skills learnt throughout the programme. This benefits me a lot as this improves my writing skills. I would work in projects outside my department to understand what the role of their department is. The company culture is really good as people will always have the chance to voice their strong belief/opinion even if it's so difficult for those to voice it. We would work well when discussing ideas and invite company to join events to hear their beliefs.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

4/5

- Developed better writing, maths skills / Other soft skills (especially in time management, efficiency, self-confidence, leadership)
- Learning new programming skills such as: Python, Tableau, and there will be more skills throughout my time at FCA.
- FCA have their own training programmes for skills you would like to learn.
- I would request job shadow from other colleagues if there's any skill I would like to improve and learn or use google as advised by them.
- I have also developed on my existing skill like Word,Excel, PowerPoint.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

I will have regular meetings with my manager every fortnight to see if everything is up-to-date (FCA work/projects) or whether there are concerns I have whether it's work-related or not. On my induction day, the coaches went through the programme scheme which entailed the modules that will be taught and preparation prior to the 1st lesson. This would be getting the right programmes and equipment etc. Furthermore our coaches (from the programme) would have regular 1-2-1 meetings and meetings with myself and my manager to see ensure everything's up-to-date on the apprenticeship side of things. I would say the only issue with the structure is that there are quiet a few meetings which would intervene my own time doing work. There's a lot of support given if things aren't going well for you (work-related/non work-related).

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

My manager was really supportive of the health and well-being more importantly empathetic towards my situation. She would also ensure if more time is needed due to unforeseen circumstances, she will ease out my tasks and have my health (mental/physical) at best interest. I would set up regular meetings to update her on my current situation so that she's aware of it. I would also receive the guidance to accomplish my task whenever I seem to have trouble solving it. She would set up regular meetings where she will support the most on the things I need improving on whether if it's a hard skill or a soft skill. Due to my current health situations she would often provide me more time to catch up with work if anything is to happen.

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

4/5

From the training provider side I have been getting support from them due to my health reasons. I have had time extensions for the assignments due in, more regular meetings to ensure everything is getting better. They will provide advice on what to do in situations they are not familiar with to ensure I get the best and right help. There will questions that we may raise during a webinar and answer as soon as possible.

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

4/5

I learned a lot more about what the role entails and how I can put these skills to practice when working on projects within the company. By job shadowing my colleagues, I feel more confident on understanding how the company runs with greater detail on the role of divisions and the departments. Upon completing this qualification, I will feel more knowledgeable on my role, the industry and how the skills developed and learned can benefit when searching for a role, even if it's internal or external of FCA.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

4/5

There are a variety of extra-curricular activities, society-like events where this involved with mental health, diversity, inclusion, physical and activities people like to do as a hobby. FCA would regularly have guests from other companies/universities/talks etc., sharing their ideas/projects they are working on and ask for advice or vice versa where their work would benefit the company. You can get involved in voluntary work which wouldn't affect your holiday hours or work hours.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to a friend?

Yes

Why?

If you genuinely see yourself doing the role within FCA, this would be a perfect opportunity to enhance your skills and learn the finance world in greater detail. The company is flexible with work hours, and work from home if you require it. There are society-like events to get involved with (company related or not) to stop you getting bored with work. There really care for people's well-being as I benefited a lot having health insurance for my health.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)?

- Do a course trial/research on the course you want to do before applying for the role at FCA.
- Try not to over-worry a lot when prepping for interview etc. as you are not expected to have the same knowledge of a person doing the role you will be doing.
- Have a some basic understanding of the company entails. (Culture, Aims) Also have a little knowledge about finance which would benefit you a lot when working at FCA.
- Good luck =)

View All Company Reviews