Network Software Developer Review
at NatWest Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Finance
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
3.6 /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
3.2/5
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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
I work as part of the Mainframe team in the bank which serves as the core for processing financial transactions. I am still learning how to operate on the system but I work with members of the team to run jobs that ensure continued service for the different areas of the bank.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy working with my team because everyone is very friendly and always receptive when it comes to teaching me the skills I need. It can be difficult because the apprenticeship courses do not directly help with my work so sometimes I need to spend time catching up after I come back from one.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
The Mainframe is an older technology used for computing large amounts of data. I have been learning how to operate on Mainframe systems and have been using TSO/ISPF, JCL and Rexx. In addition to this, my apprenticeship with QA has taught me Linux, physical networking and I will be learning Python soon.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I am working towards a Level 8 Diploma in Software Development but the skills I need to work in Mainframe are not include in the QA course. This can make it difficult to retain knowledge as after I complete a course, I do not use the skills I just learnt at work.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
For an apprenticeship, the salary is above average and I am currently able to work from home for most of the week, working out of the Gogarburn office the rest of the time. There are also opportunities for working in other sectors of the bank as well as being able to volunteer.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
The program with QA is adequately managed although I prefer the style of working towards a project for each of the courses because I want more opportunities to be able to add to my portfolio. The instructors for the courses have been knowledgeable although because they run for a short time, it can be difficult to retain information.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
The qualification focuses on courses and technologies that generally seem to be in demand in tech related jobs today. However, as I work in a Mainframe environment, none of the courses QA offer directly relate to this. There are opportunities to help other teams in the bank with some of my QA skills however.
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 variety of employee led networks who have events as well as opportunities within the bank to work towards other sectors and improve your skills. There are networking events although Core Services does not have as many of these. There are also chances for different teams to have meals and drinks together a few times a year.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The salary is decent for an apprenticeship and the brand of the bank and breadth of experience accessible is useful to someone starting their first professional job. While the QA program is not what I expected, I am still learning useful tech related skills and will be able to cite my experience here in the future.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest Group?
Read the documentation they send with the key person capabilities and focus on your own experiences in work or school. I found the interview process to be fairly quick so just make sure that you pay attention to each stage and are able to talk about why you want to work with the bank and what qualities you think you can bring.
