Associate project manager Review
at NatWest Group
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: February 2024
Overall Rating
4 /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
3.4/5
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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 gain independence in completing projects with guided help. Some of the adhoc includes budget tracking, raising purchase orders and communicating with internal and external stakeholders. I work within a small team which then has a much larger wider team. I have the flexibility of working from home and going into the office.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy learning on the job, I am not too keen on the revision part but I do enjoy proving my worth by showing all I have achieved and done to go above and beyond what is expected of you. All the people within Natwest are really friendly and helpful, you actually feel they want you to do your best.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learned how to use excel more thoroughly, I have also learned more interpersonal skills such as communicating with stakeholders and ensuring I keep track of what projects I am doing and what stage they are. I have learned how to raise requisitions and different hierarchies within my organisation.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The content my learning provider provides is really good and enjoyable to work through. However the provider is a bit disorganised, it would be helpful to have different documents explained more thoroughly and if the different sites were easier to navigate this would add to an already great programme. The mix between on the job experience and self-directed learning is a great way to improve my skills.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
I feel like I can ask my manager anything and the relationship I have built with my colleagues are now strong. I feel like it would be good if my manager or some of my team came in more or assuming that isnt possible it would be good if my manager could arrange some learning in person with someone from another team so that I gain some shadowing experience in person as I also like this way of learning. I do know that if I wanted to bring this into fruition I could easily ask my manager and we could find a median.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
I can speak to the training provider whenever I need however they can only be contacted through email which is a bit restricted and I would prefer to use teams. As the email seems to formal and sometimes I might just want to ask a quick question without all the formalities.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
As of yet I have mainly just been reflecting on my experience so far, however I can see how the learning will eventually greatly impact my job. The learning has encouraged me to seek feedback and further myself to ensuring I am making the most of my experience so far.
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
My work has internal networks like an 'enable' network where they host some events. The graduate apprenticeship scheme meets once a month, as for the apprenticeship scheme the council has yet to be formed but when it does I can comment further.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Natwest is an amazing employer who truly wants to see you achieve your best and support you through your studies so that you can roll off into your chosen profession. Everyone I have met so far has been very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. I hope to continue gaining experience through this amazing opportunity.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to NatWest Group?
Be yourself, I cannot emphasise this enough. Your (potentially) weird quirks and personality could be exactly what NatWest looks for! I would also suggest doing your research, ensure you know the ins and outs of the job you are applying for (this is half the battle!) which will ensure you feel readily prepared. Goodluck!
