Software Developer Review
at NatWest Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
3.3 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
2/5
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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:
3/5
On a daily basis I am part of the Mainframe Hardware and Capacity teams and I am responsible for checking the teams incident queues and arranging for hardware repairs.
I frequently interact with my colleagues and external vendors. I still have little responsibility at this point, I have taken part in various Mainframe installations
I frequently interact with my colleagues and external vendors. I still have little responsibility at this point, I have taken part in various Mainframe installations
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
Covid has been a challenge but as the programme has progressed I feel I have been able to get more out of it. The return to offices has definitely helped as someone who had no prior mainframe experience. The work can sometimes be slightly tedious but it is adaptable and enjoyable that way. The team is excellent and I enjoy learning from their experience. I expected to do software development but it did not turn out that way. I would say that overall I enjoy the prospect of progression.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
2/5
I have improved my skills with mainframe systems through the bank. I have increased my knowledge of various different IT areas through the learning that has been provided to me by QA. I have been on two internal training course and 5 external training courses. I have improving my networking and communication through getting to do these with other apprentices
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The induction was very well set out as there was a lot of apprentice support provided, the training has been useful but definitely could have been a bit more role specific. The support network around me has been excellent and I have no complaints. I have been given ample time to study and complete my qualification activities. I have weekly meetings with my manager and monthly meetings with my training provider. Tasks have been delegated effectively and the difficulty of these tasks has been increased at a manageable rate. The team has a clear hierarchy and I know who to speak to when I require assistance. I think covid has played a part in disrupting it however outwith this it has been very good.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I receive ample support from my manager and my team. I have not encountered the HR team very frequently but they were very effective during on boarding. I do not have a specific mentor but there are 2 ex-apprentices who have more or less taken on this role. Support is always availability however it's accessibility has been hindered as a result of covid. I have encountered multiple problems since I have started and my manager has reassured me at every turn. there has been a good attitude towards supporting me by the majority of my team.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
Tutor / advisor - I have had all the support I needed Ian was very knowledgeable
Accessibility of support - Emails sometimes went missing but it was communication was good overall
Guidance with problems - I have had ample guidance when running into any troubles
General attitude towards supporting you - excellent
Do you enjoy it? - QA provide basic training and no more
Accessibility of support - Emails sometimes went missing but it was communication was good overall
Guidance with problems - I have had ample guidance when running into any troubles
General attitude towards supporting you - excellent
Do you enjoy it? - QA provide basic training and no more
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
No the only similarity is that they are both on computers. No the theory did not relate to my job in the slightest. No as the qualification provided knowledge that I had acquired in school. Some of the courses were poorly run and resulted in little being learnt from them.
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
I took part in voluntary tree planting which was a good experience. I found this was a good way to develop my network with my team and other similar teams in the bank. I have joined the 5 aside team at my work and I do this every Thursday night.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
NatWest is a diverse company and has a forward thinking CEO. This trickles down to all levels of employment in the bank and I feel this helps me in my day to day work. I think this is a great place for people at the start of their careers as there are many opportunities available.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest Group?
Take lots of notes from the get go. Try and take in as much as possible even if it is only a little bit. Take all the opportunities that come your way and shout about the achievements you make. Speak to ex apprentices as they help give a good view of the role.
