RateMyPlacement and RateMyApprenticeship are now Higherin: Learn More

Higherin
HSBC

Universal Banker Review

at HSBC

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Finance

Exeter

Review Submitted: May 2022

Overall Rating

1.9 /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!

1/5 - Overview of Role
1/5 - Skills Development
1.8/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
1/5
My role is a customer facing role with in a high street bank. I am the face of HSBC and will assist our customers with their day to day banking needs. This can include welcoming them into the branch and completing simple transactions such as payment, standing orders and reviewing card problems, to opening new products for our customers. My job role includes promoting HSBC within our local market and making HSBC a great place to bank and work.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
1/5
I would enjoy the programme more if I was able to take more time to investigate and observe the different roles within the bank. I really enjoyed the classroom learning I completed and enjoyed understanding the 6 modules I completed as part of the CCBI exam. I enjoy the structured learning and 6 weekly check ins with my apprenticeship tutor.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
1/5
Yes! I have developed more skills to improve my self confidence with my day to day role. The apprenticeship has allowed me to go back to basics and remind myself how to give exceptional customer service. My knowledge of banking and banking history and how a bank truly operates has allowed me to confidently handle objections with customers.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
My programme is very structured. There programme platform with Kapan is very clear and after every meeting there is a review that is completed and signed with my current SMART goals. Kaplan work over 3 systems, which can be quite complicated, however completing my exam at the start of the apprenticeship and then spending the time completing all my learning before gateway allows me to plan ahead and stay organised.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
1/5
My employer has let me get on with my apprenticeship and rarely gets too involved. My manager has more than 1 apprentice and it is really challenging to get the time required. The apprenticeship team have been really supportive however and has reached out to the branch to give extra support to get the time required.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
My training provider is always available day and night. There are multiple ways to get in touch with my tutor, and she will always encourage booking in a 1 to 1 when I am struggling. My training provider are very keen on supporting mental and physical wellbeing and have offered to put in place any help required with any additional needs.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
I feel as though my apprenticeship would have been more worthwhile if I was able to have had 1 full day a week off the job to develop myself and my skills. The qualification has brought development to the forefront of my mind and have been able to take time to learn more in depth strategies to learn.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
Within my network, we have many opportunities to join calls which highlight social activities, discussions with sports people and also there is a huge opportunity to network with colleagues worldwide. These are within work hours and is rarely extra to what we would do to develop day by day. All professional event are to improve our skills and to improve our communications with our community.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend HSBC to a friend?
No
Why?
The salary is not as competitive as I would hope. The workload is more than is manageable and there is a lack of compassion within the teams. Staff members seem to be given more and more to do but never seem to have a pay rise to reflect this. The pay does nor reflect the responsibility and risk that the job entails. Although there are procedures in place to protect the staff, the bank will always side with a customer causing investigative meetings causing stress to colleagues and impacting on mental wellbeing.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to HSBC?
Be a very well organised and creative individual who is passionate at getting things right first time. Be a confident yet compassionate person who has a positive can-do attitude. Be able to push back and say no when things are getting on top of them and be a good complaint handler.
In This Review
Join Now

Join the Higherin Community

Save Time

Easily add jobs from Higherin or external platforms to keep everything organised.

Personalised Alerts

Get tailored job recommendations and updates straight to your inbox.

Exclusive Features

Access tools like application tracking, deadline reminders, and saved searches.

Stay Ahead

Be the first to know about the latest opportunities and deadlines.

Completely Free

Create an account and unlock powerful features at no cost.