Apprentice Data Analyst Review
at NatWest Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: May 2021
Overall Rating
3.8 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
3/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
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
Currently I work within the bank's Finance Data Control team, working on the promotion of a tool to help it trace data lineage. Daily tasks vary a lot, depending on business need, but mainly involve working with Excel spreadsheets and attending meetings.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
There is a lot to learn and the work provides exposure to an area of banking that is rarely seen in most banking functions, i.e. the Bank's treasury functions. The employer is dedicated to learning and development as well as well-being. Steep learning curve but rewarding.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Yes, including:
*Excel
*PowerPoint
*Stakeholder management/influencing
*Organising my time
*Excel
*PowerPoint
*Stakeholder management/influencing
*Organising my time
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
From day one, I received mentorship from an experienced analyst within the team, introducing us to the department and providing the background knowledge to do the job. NatWest is supportive in allowing time to study and learn. Work has been fast-paced but balanced.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
My manager has been very accommodating in dealing with queries and requests and has regular catch up meetings scheduled with me. The bank has generally been open in dealing with any questions and has a dedicated support network for apprentices and graduates.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Regular meetings are scheduled with the tutor, who meets with me every two months or so. I've had two such meetings so far, where they explained what was required to complete some of the generic modules involved with the apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I haven't had the opportunity yet to complete the more technical modules that relate directly to data analysis. The first module is for the level 6 IT and telecommunications qualification, and involved networking, which does not directly relate to my role, but which is worth a background understanding.
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
The bank provides ample opportunities to socialise, including sports and company events and activities, as well as providing time off to get involved in charity work. Currently I am working remotely, but even so the company intranet advertises these activities. My own hobbies include nature trail walks and gaming.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They're a well established employer with plenty of areas to get involved in and exposed to, and so make for an excellent launching point for a career change. They're also a supportive and well resourced employer.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest Group?
Think carefully about each CPC and have an example or two prepared for it; be ready to undergo further probing about it as the interviewer seeks to understand your answer better. When applying for data analytics roles, consider that there is a consultative element to them.
