Technical Academy Apprentice Review
at St. James's Place
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Finance
Cirencester
Review Submitted: May 2024
Overall Rating
4.7 /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
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
4.6/5
-
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
The Technical Academy is a rotation based apprenticeship so our day to day depends on which rotation team we are currently in. I am currently in a team where my ad-hoc tasks include roles such as updated the advice framework and guidance with new information, tax figures or improvements. We also plan things within the Technical Academy aswell such as newsletters, presentations and work experience timetables. In the Technical Academy apprenticeship you are also expected to work towards your certificate in financial services and then your diploma. So revising for the exams is a regular day to day task.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
To a strong extent. It is fun and you never get bored. Because your job role is always changing, you are always learning. We also get the opportunity to experience events and we travel across the country to other St James's Place offices and events. The early careers team get you meeting your future colleagues before you even join by organising keep warm days; to help you create some relationships before actually joining.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Yes, I have learnt soft and technical skills whilst in the academy. Because you rotate into different teams, you are exposed to alot of different areas of the Business Development and Advice team at St James's Place which means you gain alot of technical knowledge just by being involved with tasks in your teams. In the Technical Academy, you have the opportunity to present often to help improve your public speaking and presenting skills. You will also have the opportunity to plan events such as the work experience students week plan, charitable volunteering days and the charitable foundation events with the early careers team.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very well organised. We are always busy with many different tasks but we are never given too much work to handle. We have 6 hours a week for apprenticeship tasks set by our apprenticeship provider and to revise for the exams which are included in the course. We have a clear plan set out from the start which helps us follow the path through the months. It allows us to aim for goals each month to eventually work our way to the end of the apprenticeship.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Nicola, our line manager, provides exceptional support, both for work-related issues and personal concerns, creating a safe and open environment for communication. We have weekly one-on-one meetings with both our line manager and rotation managers, offering regular opportunities to discuss any matters that arise. Additionally, the early careers team is always available to offer assistance and guidance whenever needed. Overall, the SJP environment is highly supportive, with individuals ready to help regardless of the issue.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Davies Learning provide a good amount of support by hosting connect and learn sessions and workshops to provide a revision session during the run up to our exams. Our core and enhanced learning tasks also relate to the qualifications we will be doing. This helps as it means we have constant revision tasks to help support us.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The training provided helps me understand the technical side of my job role better and therefore I can work more efficiently. The qualifications help me gain a better understanding of the industry and therefore my business which allows me to be more knowledgeable in my role. The qualifications we do give us a strong understanding of the industry which means if we want to go on and complete our diploma it will be easier because some of the information will cross over.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I play football on a Tuesday night with others from around the business and there are other clubs such as the choir and lunchtime learning. If we travel for events or to other SJP offices there are normally activities planned to help you interact with your team socially. Before joining SJP there are also keep warm sessions and social activity days organised by the early careers team to help build relationships before joining.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend St. James's Place to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great place to work. I feel supported, welcomed and I have the ability to grow my technical and soft skills.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to St. James's Place?
Understand the business, industry and why you want the role.
