Apprentice, Financial Services Professional (Chartered Financial Analyst) Review
at NatWest Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
Manchester
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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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
My role currently includes performing data collation and analysis, querying and communicating with wider business colleagues and making the required data changes when required.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy the job side itself, the assignment course work is also manageable with a good structure to marking/feedback. The underlying study for an integrated exam as part of the apprenticeship however can be challenging.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
My communication skills, prioritising skills and ability to handle multiple pieces of work have improved. I have also further increased my experience using Excel and industry standard reporting tools/applications.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I'm contractually allotted 20% of my weekly working schedule for apprenticeship study. A weekly exam study lesson takes up 10% of this 20%, leaving the remaining 10% for further exam study or assignment work. However, depending on your team/workload this may be flexible. Outside of work study required.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
In my experience, I have nothing but positives to say in this area. My colleagues are always willing to help and support me in my growth and development. Both team and wider colleague meetings are held regularly to help you keep track of work stacks and priorities.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Apprenticeship coach meetings are allotted spaced apart over the year, but if you wanted to increase this it can easily be arranged. My exam coach holds additional study sessions alongside the weekly lesson if required and asked for. Homework is set and recordings of lessons are in the apprenticeship hub.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The qualification encourages you to expand your knowledge of the wider banking sector including the relevant laws, regulations and policies. It also helps build your writing capabilities and identify areas for development.
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 many online meetings, teach-ins and networking events hosted by NatWest Markets. Some social events however are more concentrated towards London, which is the main working hub for a large population of colleagues.
They also offer volunteering days for charities, local communities etc.
They also offer volunteering days for charities, local communities etc.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I feel valued and rewarded by NatWest Markets. I feel there is a positive and strong working environment which encourages networking and development amongst colleagues.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest Group?
Network and get involved in meetings from an early stage, even if you are just listening in. Knowledge is built through experience and putting yourself in positons to learn will help accelerate your development. Time management and prioritising work is important but this can be developed and improved through experience.
