Relationship Management Apprentice Review

I am responsible for handling customer queries and completing admin on their accounts to facilitate the banks relationship with the customer. This varies from simple actions such as answering call and questions on accounts to conducting operational reviews with customers, supporting relationship managers in customer meetings generating statements of appetite

I have been provided with industry recognised training and gained certificates that support this as well as being provided with bespoke customer service excellence training, regular observation & coaching on the job from my manager and lending skills that allow me to complete more complex tasks, widen my understanding of the industry and the scope of roles I can complete

My day to day role is rewarding and variable; I enjoy the challenge of being charged with a wide variety of tasks that require me to work independently and as part of a wider team, think laterally, research, apply problem solving and provide learning experiences. I also find being given responsibility and scope to work independently gratifying

My program is very well administered by RBS, the bank's team that runs the scheme is proactive, caring and engaging; my line manager and team at a local level are enthusiastic and supporting. BPP however struggle to provide basic information or stick to their own timescales, my tutor is supportive and understanding but organisation and implementation from the university itself is poor at best

I receive fortnightly one to one meeting with my manager at my team leader/their manager, on the job coaching & support and constant up-skilling & refresh training that adds value and expands my understanding. The local team is varied in skill & experience and are very supportive; I am given access to external training and vast internal resources.

BPP provide access to learning resources on their virtual learning environment to support my learning as well as a tutor and a buddy who has previously completed the apprenticeship at my company. My tutor is knowledgeable & supportive and I have been provided with additional, external assessment and support tailored to my needs

I am an existing NatWest staff member so the qualification provided to be my BPP is below the existing standard or knowledge level I have already been trained to; however BPP have been flexible with my learning requirements allowing me to drop unnecessary training and focus on what does add value. The course and qualifications would be well suited to someone new to banking and Relationship Management; I found the opportunity to join Corporate & Commercial banking and learn the basics advantageous

I have been provided opportunities to join professional organisations both internal and external to the bank as well as attend regular professional networking events and training. This has been extremely useful and has complemented my learning well as well expanded my understanding of the industry and the opportunity to widen my responsibilities

Yes

They are a highly professional, progressive and supportive employer. I have been given access to a broad scope of both internal and external resources, qualification and events; I am driven to progress both professionally and personally and supported in both regards. I am given responsibility, encouraged to speak out and challenge; the work environment is friendly and respectful

NatWest is a rewarding and supportive employer, they are keen to encourage employees to think laterally and progress; they are most interested in people who are willing to learn in an adaptive and expansive manor, taking on new responsibilities and grow with changing roles, displaying these behaviours is key to any application