Data scientist Review
at Newcastle Building Society
Degree Apprenticeship
Finance
Newcastle upon Tyne
Review Submitted: February 2022
Overall Rating
4.4 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
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:
5/5
My role does not consist of daily tasks as I am usually working on longer term projects, interacting with my team and across other teams. Previous projects have included automating processes and working on internal models to improve efficiency. These required communication between other teams and their needs to ensure that the final product was suitable.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy this programme as I am able to learn new things each day while at work, from colleagues and also by completing projects. My knowledge from university also benefits my role and supports my work while enabling me to share this with my team, improving their understanding too.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I started this apprenticeship with almost no coding knowledge but I have managed to build up knowledge of multiple coding languages including python, SQL, R and VBA. Many technical skills have been improved while working on projects such as my communication alongside my productivity. My university course has broadened my knowledge around topics from statistics tp artificial intelligence.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
On the side of work, I am able to take the required 20% off the job time to complete any university work I need to and build up my portfolio but the university side has been slightly less organized. This is due to being the first cohort of this course which should improve for following cohorts.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive all the support needed from my employer as I am able to reach out to my manager, my team or anyone in the business who might be able to help me. There are also lots of documents available from my employer. The HR team provides support too by assigning mentors that are easily reachable,
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The university provides drop in sessions weekly for each module where any student can attend with queries or questions. We are able to email and set up separate calls too if we need more support. Quarterly meetings are organized with my manager and a tutor from the university to ensure that everything is going well and on track.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Most of the modules I have learnt provide crucial knowledge for my role such as statistics and also content that can help me to improve in my role such as machine learning. Some earlier modules haven't been as useful like my first year module of problem solving as this was more scientific focused.
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 with such as the staff association where a small contribution is made yearly to unlock lots of restaurant or activity deals for staff. There are also funD days to raise money for the community fund alongside one off events such as walking/running competitions or best dressed during Halloween.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Newcastle Building Society to a friend?
Yes
Why?
There are many staff benefits to working here which I have listed in the previous questions alongside a competitive pay rate that is continuing to improve. The staff are also very helpful in all teams and there is a very friendly working environment. Any queries are always listened to and all attempts are made to improve any issues.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Newcastle Building Society?
I would make sure to read reviews on which job would be best suited to you as there are so many different opportunities within the business across all departments. I would also try and prepare for the interview to stand out as there are often group interviews conducted where you may want to appear to be best suited.
