Software Engineer Apprentice Review
at NatWest Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology, Finance
Manchester
Review Submitted: April 2022
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
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3/5
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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
In my role I work within a team of people focussed on creating a product or service for our customers. I regularly write and test code in a number of languages. There is a lot of time spent communicating within the team and with other teams to maintain a level of consistency.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I find a lot of enjoyment from my programme, I am doing something that I really want to do and that gives me a lot of happiness. I enjoy the workplace and the culture that comes with it, something that was really important in my decisions making process early on.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned a lot of new skills both technical and soft skills along my journey. I have been introduced to many new technologies and languages that were previously unfamiliar to me. I have been able to improve my communication skills and have been given opportunities to improve my confidence with public speaking.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The organisation of the programme is well structured with ample time for learning and working in between modules. I have found that the timing of the modules is appropriate and meshes well with the things I am learning in the workplace. I found that the first two modules would have been better switched around with one another.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I think that there has been a good level of support provided to me, however there are times where I am left wanting a little more support. There is always support but it is not always easy to me to understand where I can go to get that support sometimes.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
The support I receive from my training provider is average. The modules are clearly explained and do not require further information most of the time. When support is needed it is clear where to go and how to access it. The support provided is not always great but it's usually enough.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
This is a little less relevant for me as I do not believe that I will receive a recognised qualification at the end of the apprenticeship scheme. I do think that the experience and training provided to me is far more beneficial than a qualification at this time in my career.
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
There are a wealth of opportunities at my workplace to get involved in extra-curricular activities. There are many employee networks/groups that are easily accessible to everyone at the work place. I have enjoyed several sessions with various groups and I have always felt welcome. There are also a lot of opportunities to volunteer which is great.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend NatWest to a friend as they have always gone above and beyond to make me feel welcome and ensure that I am able to be the best version of myself without any unnecessary pressure. The workplace culture is great and I am always encouraged to get involved and learn.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest Group?
The advice I have is to focus on your soft skills and pay special attention to the company values, the CPC's. Knowing these values and being able to demonstrate your ability to embody these values is the single most important piece of advice that I can give to anyone interested in applying.
