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Higherin

Graduate Trainee Review

at NatWest Group

Graduate Scheme

Commercial Banking

Birmingham

Review Submitted: October 2025

Overall Rating

4.3 /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!

4.8/5 - Overview of the Role
4.8/5 - Experience & Company Culture
5/5 - Recommendations & Advice

Overview of the Role

Overall, how would you describe your experience at NatWest Group?
Very good
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Over the two years, I have completed four 6-month-long placements. This has allowed me to experience different teams within the Commercial bank and I have been well supported and educated throughout. The part I have enjoyed the most is meeting so many different people and getting the opportunity to continue learning.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
Depending on the team but in general, I have held responsibility and felt like an integral part of each placement team I have joined.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
5/5
Very fair in my opinion. I personally find the dental care benefit and ability to purchase additional holiday most helpful.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Variety of teams gained experience in and transferable skills are vast.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5

Experience & Company Culture

How is the support you receive?
5/5
I have been stood up for by managers and advocated for by team members if and when I have needed, both with and without my having to ask. My graduate buddy has always been on hand to support with qualification work and is now a good friend who still offers me help, despite them having moved to a different city.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
How would you rate NatWest Group initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
I am an active member of various employee-led networks, particularly the bank's Rainbow Network, which provides a community for LGBTQ+ employees. Through this, I have helped to plan our involvement in the local city's pride parade for the past two years, as well as many different social events for the local Network.
How would you rate NatWest Group CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Volunteering leave (3 days per year) is generous and I love team days spent volunteering. The bank partners with many different national charities and organisations. They also match employee fundraising donations.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend NatWest Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Excellent learning environment - supportive and inclusive. Many opportunities to continue learning and even if you aren't sure what you want to do (like me) following the graduate programme, the amount of transferable skills picked up through different placement teams will support any future job application I make.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to NatWest Group?
Be yourself - the bank values individuality and willingness to learn over existing technical ability.
In This Review
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