Corporate and Commercial Banking Apprentice Review
at Santander
Degree Apprenticeship
Finance
Reading
Review Submitted: June 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
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.4/5
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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:
4/5
My first rotation role involves ensuring the work for my relationship team is completed, this could be for my relationship director or for another RD in the team. Everyday is different and I get to use different sites to create customer searches, complete financial spreading and more.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy the learning side of my programme, the qualification I am working towards is interesting and adaptable to my workplace. I also enjoy meeting new people and working in teams and having the opportunity to get involved in many opportunities across the bank.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes I have learnt to work on my communication skills, networking with the wider team and working with different people every week. I have also learnt to improve my time management skills especially when under pressure and having lots of deadlines to meet.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
Academic support is provided, there are lots of resources available on the BPP site and my mentor is easy to approach through email and call. We are given time every week to work towards the qualification which is beneficial for managing the workload.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer, my line manager is very supportive and provides me with resources that will benefit my learning. They have supported me personally and professionally and provided clear guidance for any problems especially during Covid.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I am provided with a lecture and extra resources including assignment material through our training providers site. There is support from the training provider through email and 121 development sessions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I feel comfortable with the resources provided to me and they challenge me to take up additional work in order to achieve every assignment grade. They can be difficult at times because it requires you to go beyond your role which helps me improve in my role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
There are virtually and these have been organised by the graduate and apprentice committee's however due to Covid, I haven't had the opportunity to attend social activities which were available to the previous years as well as meeting my team.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Santander to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Everyone has been supportive, from my line manager to my placement manager, the team I am placed in and the resources available to me. A highlight for me is the personal support provided during tough times such as Covid-19.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Santander?
Be confident and yourself! It can be daunting but everyone is friendly during the assessment centre and interview, you are provided with resources beforehand. Be professional and make sure you come prepared with examples of personal development you have taken, albeit virtually and apply these to the questions asked.
