Apprentice Auditor Review
at NatWest Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
Belfast
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
I work as an apprentice auditor in the internal audit function of the bank. This involves working on planning and fieldwork for audit engagements. Stakeholder engagement is an important part of my day to day role as we must keep the business area informed of our progress regularly throughout an audit engagement.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have joined a very supportive team and have settled seamlessly into the team, given the challenges that the current environment and virtual onboarding have presented. The team has a lot of people who have recently gone through a similar qualification so I have lots of sources of support and people to network with to get advice on maintaining work/life balance while studying.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my ICT skills, particularly with Microsoft Excel, which I had very limited experience of previously. This has helped me to present my testing and results clearly. I have improved my communication skills when meeting stakeholders as this can involve difficult discussions offering constructive challenge based on what we have found during testing.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
There were a number of teething issues from an administrative perspective when enrolling on the programme. These were identified early and clarified with additional meetings and improved documentation provided by the training provider. My employer has been very flexible in accommodating study leave and attendance at personal and professional development activities.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer acts as a constant source of support. I have been through a virtual induction with all apprentices which allowed me to build a network beyond my own programme. My line manager has regular check ins and monitors my progress, encouraging me to discuss any barriers I may be facing with my studies. Colleagues also support me by coaching me to learn the day to day job role.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
I have been through a live virtual classroom experience for my first module. This was an intensive course, but allowed in the moment support for questions as they arose. The resources online are brilliant and video debriefs of longer complex exam questions have formed an important part of my revision schedule.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification gives me an important understanding of the theoretical concepts that are applicable to the role - and when this is combined with my day to day role it allows me to see the bigger picture of where this career could lead in the future. It increases my employability, giving me confidence for developing a positive career in this area.
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
We have a range of great place to work events, which are social events such as quizzes and cookery classes to get involved with and network with colleagues. There are also a lot of professional development activities held by our Apprenticeship Councils. There are a range of wellbeing webinars/events available also.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have been guided through the process right from the virtual induction with all the apprentices and mentored and coached to ease me into what was a completely new role in a function I had no prior experience of. I am proud of how well I have settled into the team, given the fact I have never met any of them in person! That in itself is a tribute to the fantastic colleagues I am surrounded by.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest Group?
Do your research and ensure that you understand the commitment required. An apprenticeship is a balancing act between your qualification and your day job. Neither should be treated as more important, and that can be a difficult balance to achieve. Look at the programme in the context that the qualification is going to compliment you in your day job and allow you to grow and develop in that role.
