Apprentice Analyst Review

My Job role is an analyst role. My daily tasks include collating data from multiple programmes for my colleagues to use. I am not in a customer facing role, so all of my interactions are internal. I join different calls during the week, whereby either colleagues or people from different teams will join and we will discuss different actions to do to achieve a specific work objective.

There seems to be a main focus on personal development at RBS. There is a requirement to do a minimum of 50 hours Personal Development per year. There are internal courses available which range from business certificates to soft skills such as time management. These skills have helped develop me to an extent to which I feel more confident in my abilities.

I am thoroughly enjoying the apprenticeship programme at RBS as I am constantly learning and finding out new things about what RBS offers. In regards to work, if I am unsure about a piece of work, I know that I will be given support. My team have all been key to my development at RBS, as I have been given varied pieces of work, which has allowed me to build up my skills.

I feel valued as I am involved within the work that my team is doing and am frequently asked to be involved with other projects. This has helped develop my skills and confidence. I have received a Living Our Values nomination whilst at RBS to highlight the things I have done right.

I think my programme is organised as I have been assigned with an apprentice 'buddy' as well as a work 'buddy'. I have also been given a mentor to support me. The 2 day induction gave me an insight into RBS and the core values. I have regular 1-1s with my matrix manager as well as monthly reviews with my matrix manager and my skills tutor.

I have monthly reviews with my skills tutor and my matrix manager, whereby there is a focus on my studies. I get regularly assessed and if I don't show progress, my skills tutor can guide me to help me succeed.

I believe I am given ample support from RBS, as I know there are multiple people who I can learn from and who can help me. I have been given a mentor, who is an experienced person who I have learnt a lot from. There are also different helplines to support me varying from mental health to family life.

The salary/package is extremely satisfying compared to other apprenticeships at the same level. I have been able to live off the salary quite easily. As the RBS office is in the city centre, travelling costs aren't too high, so I can travel to work without too much hassle. Although if you drive to work, there are not enough parking spaces within the building, so you may have to pay for parking nearby.

There are many opportunities outside of work such as charity work, whereby you are allowed to go out, usually as a team and take part in different charity activities. There are team meals, whereby the team will go out for lunch/diner to get to know each other outside of the work environment.

Yes

My time at RBS has developed me into a person fit for work. I believe I am doing meaningful work, which will help in RBS to reach its 2020 goals. I believe anybody joining as an apprentice will be able to develop themselves as easily as I have.

Remember to be confident. When I came for my interview, I started off very shy but when I started opening up, I could show how I am capable enough for the apprenticeship. Once you are in the workplace, make sure to ask questions if you are unsure about anything. I was told when I started, that asking a load of questions and getting the work done right is better than asking none and getting the work wrong.