Business Administration Apprentice Review

My role is in the change team. I work as a project administrator in my team. My typical day includes collecting, analysing and reporting data using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Tableau. I also attend various meetings throughout the day. I use 20% of my week focusing on completing my apprenticeship work. This includes any assigned activities, shadowing colleagues, going on courses...etc.

I have learnt and developed many skills. Some news skills include, gaining an understanding of what data shows, what it means for my team and the project we are currently working on. I have also been able to further develop my skills on Microsoft office, time management and confidence, which my team at Natwest and the program have helped me with.

I enjoy my programme. This is because, I have a very supportive network, including my manager and colleagues at Natwest. As well as from my LDP (Learning Development Practitioner from my apprenticeship provider Babington). They offer guidance and support to me whenever I need it. They also push me to be more involved and develop my skills, to set me up for my future career.

My programme is well structured. I firstly had an induction week which gave all the NatWest apprentices an understanding of NatWest and the Apprenticeship journey. They give you three months to settle in to your role. After the three months, you start the apprenticeship. For the next year or so, I then have a set number of activities to complete every month, which is well set out on the programme BUD. Followed by an End Point Assessment.

I receive a lot of support from my employer. Natwest are very keen on developing and investing in their employees. They employ many apprentices every year, so every new apprentice (such as myself), also has a supportive network/team to go to for advice/guidance. I have regular check-ins/ catch-ups with my manager, where I can discuss any concerns or help I need, which is followed through.

My training provider provides me with a lot of support towards my qualification. My LDP (Learning Development Practitioner from my apprenticeship provider Babington), has monthly check-ins with me, to provide support and discuss how I am doing with my qualification. She also responds to my emails and messages in a timely manner whenever I have a question regarding working towards my qualification.

My qualification does help me perform better in my role. The activities I complete every month provide me with an understanding of the different aspects of a business and my role. An example includes the time management activity; to help me understand how to manage my time to complete all of my tasks.

There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved in. Natwest have Employee Led Networks. This is where employees can join community's for family's and carers, LGBTQ+, disabilities...etc, to help raise awareness and influence the bank-wide inclusion strategy. There are also often many 'keeping active' events to get involved in, in my department.

Yes

Based off my early answers, my personal experience of Natwest is that they are a good employer. There is a focus on being inclusive and equal, as well as having the work-life balance. Also, developing their employees with courses and events. Especially during Covid-19, I believe this allows employees to feel supported by their employer.

Research the banks purpose and values, as well as all the different sectors they are involved in and products they have. This helped me with my interview, especially since I do not have a lot of experience working in a large bank. Also, ensure you use the STAR answer module in your interview. This helped me to keep my answers on track.