Data Analyst Apprentice Review
at Newcastle Building Society
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.7 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I assist and support our insight analyst in the creation of both regular and ad hoc reports. The reports mainly contain descriptive analysis to form MI. I also lead the creation of mailing files to contact our customers about both regulatory information and marketing for potential products/type of products.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
The programme is fantastic and it is exciting to be part of a team and on a wider scale a company that is so invested in the development of both its colleagues and the region in which its based in. All through out the business people are extremely helpful and respectful of its apprentices.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my ability to work within MS Excel and Access to develop bespoke visual reports. This has included my ability to write complex formula, formatting reports and writing in VBA code. Also I have developed my ability to write in SQL code.
I have also seen my behavioural skills develop in my confidence and ability to work as part of a team
I have also seen my behavioural skills develop in my confidence and ability to work as part of a team
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
When you first join the programme you spend a week with other "Early Talent" which includes apprentices, graduates and student placements. This week is centered around networking with other apprentices and areas of the business.
The learning aspect of my apprenticeship is provided through monthly calls where I am set tasks by my technical trainer. These tasks encourage me to use any resources I have to find the answers. These calls are supplemented by a separate monthly call with a learning coach who ensures I'm meeting any deadlines I might need and helping me set up for my end point.
The learning aspect of my apprenticeship is provided through monthly calls where I am set tasks by my technical trainer. These tasks encourage me to use any resources I have to find the answers. These calls are supplemented by a separate monthly call with a learning coach who ensures I'm meeting any deadlines I might need and helping me set up for my end point.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I get a lot of support from my employer from different places. When you first join the business you are given access to a specific mentor that is from a different part of the business, an apprenticeship "buddy" who started their apprenticeship before you and also the early talent manager who coordinates all of the apprentices. These combine with your line manager to give you a very effective and varied support network.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
When working towards the qualification I receive support from my learning coach with the administrative side of things and with a technical trainer to help support my portfolio and identify any potential areas that might be missing/ need developing. This allows me to feel confident in my ability to pass my qualification.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
A lot of the aspects covered in my qualification I will then carry through into my role to allow me to better develop myself in my role. This is mainly around increased confidence in coding allowing me to automate certain parts of reports or increase the usability of these reports.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are plenty of varied extra-curricular activities to get involved. Now most of these activities have had to move to be video call based the variation in them has naturally reduced.
You are highly encouraged to spend time volunteering either as a whole team or as an individual with volunteering days being allowed on work time every year.
You are highly encouraged to spend time volunteering either as a whole team or as an individual with volunteering days being allowed on work time every year.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Newcastle Building Society to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a fantastic company that really tries to develop its staff and apprentices. You are supported really well throughout the full process and its really great to be able to be proud to work for a business that is invested making the region a better place through supporting local communities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Newcastle Building Society?
The application process was simple and easy and you are well updated throughout the process. Make sure you get any questions you may have answered at some point in the process whether this be in an interview or an assessment day. You should also be confident in your own abilities and skills. If you make it to the next stage of the process there was clearly a reason so back yourself.
