Financial Crime Apprentice Review
at Santander
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Finance
Milton Keynes
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.6/5
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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
The scheme involves working within a rotation 4 days a week and a study day 1 day a week, the study side of things is run by BPP. There is the opportunity to work within 3 placements throughout the scheme with each one being different. I am currently working within CDD and am thoroughly enjoying it.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I throughly enjoy the programme and would recommend it to everyone. Every day is different and there is so much to learn, the studying side is also interesting with lots of content to keep busy with on study days. Overall it’s a great scheme that has allowed me to grow in confidence.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed so many skills within the 4 months working at Santander. Interpersonal skills are vital in the role especially with working from home due to the pandemic. I have learnt to be flexible, honest, reliable, as well as speak up if I am unsure and communicate with others across the bank.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very structured, there are 3 rotations across the scheme and we get the opportunity to choose where we would like to go next. The study days differ in each rotation however everyone within my cohort has been set one day a week to priories on studies and my current rotation allowed me to choose which day I would prefer.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive ongoing support from Santander and it is helping me to grow in confidence each day. The managers are extremely encouraging and patient if any questions ever need to be asked. We are assigned apprenticeship managers which are also there to oversee any queries we may have as well as keep up to date and check we are okay.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
BPP provide monthly calls which give an overview of how I am performing, if I have anything I’m struggling with, feedback on work submitted and objectives to help continuous improvement and personal development. Studying independently and from home can be difficult however I make sure to prioritise my workload so I meet my deadlines!
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think having the content to study alongside working strengthens my knowledge of financial crime and if I am ever unsure of anything I can usually find the answer within the content or within my role. The course helps challenge and expand my understanding of financial crime. The research completed within study days can be utilised within our rotations.
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 endless opportunities to get involved outside of working life. Santander have adapted to working from home and have ensured employees can still join in and network with others across the bank virtually. There are various social groups and events which all employees can get involved in that are really good especially for new starters who don’t know anyone!
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Santander to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The welcoming I have had from everyone I have met within the bank so far has been amazing. The support that I receive from managers combined with how interesting the job role is has allowed me to really enjoy working and although it’s from home you never feel lonely as you are included in everything. You are not just seen as an apprentice but instead a valued part of the team.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Santander?
I would say to be yourself, enjoy the application process as nerve racking as it can be, ask lots of questions and get involved with all of the different socials events they offer. I know virtual events can be scary however they are so supportive and want the best for you!
