Technology Apprentice Review
at NatWest Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Edinburgh EH12 1HQ, UK
Review Submitted: March 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
4/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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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
At time of writing, on a day-to-day basis I am involved with a number of different projects under my manager in order to become familiar with the processes and operations within the technology side of the bank. As an apprentice, I have:
- Attended regular meetings to discuss updates to the tasks the team undertake,
- Taken minutes for initial project workshops,
- Assisted analysts with data and statistics surrounding the projects
- Liaised with various platforms to action tasks in order to progress work carried out for projects.
- Worked on learning modules from the apprenticeship provider to achieve credits for the qualification.
- Completed elearning courses to deepen my knowledge on topics such as Agile and Cloud Computing.
- Attended regular meetings to discuss updates to the tasks the team undertake,
- Taken minutes for initial project workshops,
- Assisted analysts with data and statistics surrounding the projects
- Liaised with various platforms to action tasks in order to progress work carried out for projects.
- Worked on learning modules from the apprenticeship provider to achieve credits for the qualification.
- Completed elearning courses to deepen my knowledge on topics such as Agile and Cloud Computing.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
This programme has placed me within a team under a manager that allows us to thrive on development and productivity while taking care of our wellbeing. I have a large pool of learning resources to further my knowledge and expertise where I see any topic of interest and am actively encouraged to do so. This gives me the freedom to work at my own pace as I develop within my role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
- My interpersonal skills in a remote setting (Zoom, Teams, etc.) have been consistently developing since I started as an apprentice.
- Working with the analysts within my team has also improved my ability to analyse large sheets of data, collate that into info, and relay that to appropriate stakeholders.
- Getting involved with multiple projects has helped aid my time management and organisational skills.
- Working with the analysts within my team has also improved my ability to analyse large sheets of data, collate that into info, and relay that to appropriate stakeholders.
- Getting involved with multiple projects has helped aid my time management and organisational skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The apprentice team have been very organised from the induction all the way through to the six month mark with detailed timetables of larger events such as the induction. They have also set up regular webinars to support our development and learning such as a session detailing professional networking or teaching us how to leverage our strengths.
In terms of organisation within my team, we use task boards with visual cards and brief details of the task to be done. These are a great way to chunk bigger tasks down and make it easier to track progress.
The apprenticeship provider has regularly kept in contact by scheduling support calls every five weeks with my assessor to track progress and wellbeing as I work on the assigned units.
In terms of organisation within my team, we use task boards with visual cards and brief details of the task to be done. These are a great way to chunk bigger tasks down and make it easier to track progress.
The apprenticeship provider has regularly kept in contact by scheduling support calls every five weeks with my assessor to track progress and wellbeing as I work on the assigned units.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I regularly have catch up calls with my manager to see how things are going within my role, be that about work tasks, apprenticeship units or general wellbeing. My manager is also readily available on Teams chat should I need any quick question answered or any additional support not discussed in the calls. My team has also made it clear that I can approach them if I need any help whatsoever.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The apprenticeship provider has regularly kept in contact by scheduling support calls every five weeks with my assessor to track progress and wellbeing as I work on the assigned units. I can also get in contact with my assessor via Canvas should I have any queries surrounding the content of the modules I am working on.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
Currently it is difficult to say that the qualification helps me perform better in my role as the content of the qualification has been detailing Health & Safety and Personal Development. As I progress further into the qualification, I will be involved in more technical areas which will hopefully able me to further my skills within 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.)
5/5
There are many Employee Led Networks that offer extra-curricular activities to get involved in, such as volunteering for charities, mentoring, or learning a new skill. The apprentice team have also been organising mystery meetups to help us as apprentices meet new faces within the business and build our professional networks.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend NatWest to a friend as the work environment is very positive and inclusive, with a general focus on looking after your wellbeing while allowing and promoting personal development while completing day to day work within your role. In addition, being an employee at the bank allows you to build a career in the areas that suit your skills and interests.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest Group?
I would give anyone else applying to NatWest the advice of just being yourself. Show that you have a desire to learn and better yourself while being capable of benefitting any team with your attitude to work and the ability to cooperate with others to build a better, inclusive bank.
