Techincal Support Specialist Review

User Acceptance Testing support for software updates to our core mortgage systems. Extraction of data and reports from our data lake on both an ad-hoc and formal request basis. Assistance with integration of new processes into the business area. Build VBA program for excel spread sheets including integration into Access databases.

Developed existing excel skills and learnt new SQL skills as well as data preparation, cleansing, R programming which has allowed me to improve my SQL coding and develop my own databases. It has also made me look into company policies more closely so that I have a better understanding of our data policies.

As an apprenticeship course it seems more tailored to a younger person with things such a safeguarding but overall the workshops are enjoyable and provide good information and hands on experience. Due the extended time it can seem as if it's progressing slowly at times but this is probably necessary given that we need to integrate the work into out day to day business.

We had some teething problems at the start with trying to have remote sessions but Estio changed this to provide face to face sessions. The workshops should probably have happened sooner but this was custom created for Santander so is the first time this format has been used for this course.

Santander allows me sufficient time to work on my portfolio and I can be quite flexible with my time. There is also no problem when I need to take days out to attend workshops at another location and travel is paid for to those locations. There are also some additional programs available outside the apprenticeship which can be used to supplement my knowledge.

The workshops are excellent and the trainer always makes sure that everyone understands the concepts being presented. If there are any misunderstanding further examples are worked through until a full understanding is gained. The trainers are available to take email or phone queries if you have any questions or need support when completing your portfolio.

I haven't yet finished the course but the course has given me insight into how databases are built from the ground up and has subsequently allowed me to refine my own database and improve my SQL queries so that they are more efficient. This is very important as any query that takes longer that 10 seconds to complete cannot move into production.

There are many activities that you can get involved in at Santander. We have Discovery Days where we can go along to a local charity and assist with any work they need doing such as painting. Social activities are often advertised where we tend to get preferential ticket rates. There are networking events such as our Technical Community which allows us to share ideas and showcase new technology being developed within the business.

Yes

It is a relaxed and inclusive environment to work in. You receive excellent benefits such as a generous pension contribution which increase the more you pay in. The pay is average for the jobs and for some grade this include pay progression. There is flexible working so if you need to take time off this is generally not a problem even for those on fixed contracts.

It's important that you are focused on customer service and come across as that being your most important asset. Santander places a great deal of emphasis on doing as much as we can for the customer. You should be enthusiastic about what you do and a willingness to accept change as this is a business that is constantly changing especially in the digital world.