Digital Technology Solutions Review

The role is constantly changing as you complete different rotations across the business (either six or nine months). Personally I have completed roles in architecture and property, spending time shadowing different members of the team, attending meetings and creating some documents for presentations etc. Teams tend to either work from 8-4 or 9-5 and the working hours are often very flexible.

Every placement has endless opportunities to learn new skills. The majority of placements are quite technical and so far I have had the opportunity to learn some bits of SQL and VBA, as well as learning how to draw some architectural diagrams. There are also constant opportunities to develop your people skills.

For me I really enjoy the fact you are treated as equal to every employee in the bank and have numerous opportunities to get involved every day. I really enjoy the challenge and everyday is different. My only criticism would come from the university side where I think our provider could do more to support their students.

The structure of the programme so far has been very impressive with set six month placements across numerous areas of the bank. There are three eighteen month sections to the apprenticeship (Level 4 to Level 6) and the structure with choosing a specialism after your first three rotations seems to work really well.

The dedicated team designed to support apprentices and graduates in the bank have your best intentions at heart and are really supportive. As an apprentice you have an Apprentice Manager who is an experienced employee, helping your personal development and there as the first line of support. Overall the support from the employer is faultless.

The support massively depends on the module you are completing. I have had one lecturer who puts great content on our learning environment and our webinars are really interesting. They also would reply to any questions you had within 24 hours and would always be happy to help. However I have had one lecturer who was impossible to get hold of and who's content was hard to follow.

I feel like the qualification has the potential to help in any role I may complete however currently I haven't utilised any skills I have learn in my modules at work. I hope that the more I progress through my apprenticeship this will change. Although the business module did help me understand certain systems in a large organisation and their importance.

As an organisation, Santander provide numerous opportunities for extra curricular activities. This may be 5-a-side football tournaments with the chance to play in Madrid, numerous charity events and parties throughout the year. Plus there are always lots of competitions to take part in on our intranet, like Champions League ticket giveaways.

Yes

Obtaining a degree whilst obtaining valuable work experience in a huge financial organisation like Santander is priceless. The support and endless opportunities in the bank are both a great reason to join Santander and every team really feels like a community. Also the structure of the programme at Santander is really impressive.

To people applying I would recommend being personable and fill out the application forms being as honest as possible. To me Santander employ people, not just the one's who have the best CV's or qualifications. Also if there is a video interview then try to pretend that the camera isn't there!