Rating

8.5/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • My role is split between 2 departments. I spend time on projects and take actions and chase up people on their actions. However I also spend time researching roadmap items on how to make the user experience better and also focus on efficiency. I love how each day is very different to me.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have learnt so many new skills and building on my current skill set. This includes communication, presentation skills, spelling and grammar. But mainly I have learnt to be professional in a working environment. I am use to working with people my own age and the same interests but I know socialise with a variety of personalities and status' within the society. I am learning new things everyday and growing. My manager and mentor are brilliant and help me whenever I need it. I have spent time across multiple departments to understand roles and responsibilities.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I do really enjoy my programme and I love the company culture. I have complete flexibility of working. I can work from wherever I like whether it will be in the centre head office, cobalt head office or from home. If I need added time for my assignment I can ask, they always understand and accommodate. I have a great team around me and they are so helpful and we all get along.

    8/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • My programme is rather organised. Due to the fact I am coming to the end of my programme its confusing on what's left but I cant see on the portal how far along I am and the hours I have logged. I do have a lot of support but I have to ask for it. In terms of team hierarchy we have a Head of BT a manager of BT, 6 project managers, 4 business analysts 2 coordinators. The manager is in charge of the assignment of tasks and passes them down the team. if is extremely organised. I have time to study for my assignments and any training I can make time for.

    8/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I receive so much support from my manager, he encourages me to leave my comfort zone as he believes in me. Anything I have an issue with I can come to him. Also my mentor is great, she gives me so much advice and guidance and is very responsive to emails. HR is also there when I need them in terms of the early talent programme, any issues I feel I can come to the early talent manager with any problems big or small. I feel so supported in the society. I get support from everyone however I have had an issue with a member of the executive team question why I am in his emails when I was helping out with implantation of something he created, but looked down on me due to the fact I had "apprentice" in my signature (this isn't reflected in the score as I don't want him to ruin the work of everyone else)

    9/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • when I have my check ins with my provider he is so helpful and gives great feedback. I also take it into consideration when I move onto my next assignment as the feedback is always well positioned and easy to take on board. I am happy with the support I receive.

    9/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • The assignments which I complete help me find out information, it encourages me to ask around the society and engage with people I don't really talk to e.g. project manager who I have not been on a project with. due to the fact I have to present every 6 weeks its increasing my confidence and presentational skills.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • Theres no sports teams that I would like to get involved in however there are many events. It can be difficult to get funding to attend events due to budgeting and approval. there are fitness classes occasionally during well being week but not all the time. we go out for a meal as a team on special occasions such as offsite meeting (twice a year) when someone leaves and maybe Christmas. we also have a Christmas party which the whole society attends.

    6/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend Newcastle Building Society to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • there are so many opportunities and I genuinely feel like the society is invested in me and my career. the flexibility of working is great and the culture is fantastic. a lot of people have been here since they left university and aren't planning on leaving anytime soon, so they must be doing something right!


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Newcastle Building Society?
  • put yourself out there even if you think you cant do it, have a try and you'll be amazed how much you can achieve. listen to the questions and prepare examples. be confident in yourself and never doubt yourself. If you get through to assessment centre don't be the person who knows it all!


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Business Operations

Newcastle upon Tyne

February 2020


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