CCB Corporate and Commercial Apprentice Review
at Santander
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
Bristol
Review Submitted: April 2021
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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.4/5
-
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
In relationship Management, You work with the team and take an active role in meetings to help build and develop the portfolio for your team's region. I helped manage clients accounts from SMEs to Large Corporations. You may also get involved with Divsion and Region team meetings, working with product partners to achieve a common goal
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the programme to a greater extent. Whilst the apprenticeship side can sometimes be slow to respond and their is sometimes a lack of clearance with assignments, working for Santander is a wonderful opportunity to build great connections, skills and start a great career, just need to be able to reach out and work for it.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
You will learn plenty of skills, notably time management to try and work on several projects or help with several team members. You also learn great communication, even working from home, as you will need to reach out and try and find the right person to help with work but also just reach out for a general chat.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is very well structured. You will have 4 rotations. 9 month and three 6 month placements, which are great opportunities to work with different business areas. The degree side involves several smaller assignments for self reflections, as well as 2 larger assignment to develope your critical thinking. A great opportunity
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I received plenty of support from Santander. You have a great networking opportunity within your induction and this is continued throughout your time with the bank. My own team was also a great source of help, constantly offering help with new assignment and opportunities to learn new skills and knowledge that is needed to develop within the Bank.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The support from my training provider is patchy. Whilst sometimes their response is quick and clear, there is times that it can be slow and confusing. You will however have plenty of opportunity to communicate with your coach to understand assignments and also have monthly meetings to discuss your personal development
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification requires you to learn and forces you to reach out to attain the highest mark possible, meaning you automatically develop in your role to find new work for each assignment. They also help to reflect on what you've learnt and to concrete the knowledge, as well as test it.
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
Whilst there is a struggle from working at home, Santander provides ample opportunity to get involved in networking events or extra activities within your region. I also had member of my team who invited me to networking events to develop my skills as a young professional. Currently, there isn't much room for much social contact but this is changing as lockdown eases
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Santander to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Santander is a great employer with plenty of benefits and will reward you accordingly. They have great employees and systems to help you within your working life, but also more externally to develop your career. I found that they also provided great support when working externally during Covid. Highly Reccomend
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Santander?
Never be afraid to ask questions as everyone is willing to help you, whether you're a graduate or totally new to banking as I was. Always be on the look out for opportunities to develop yourself as there will be many. Make sure you manage your work and don't overwork yourself, ask for help when you need it.
