Client Coverage Apprentice Review

This apprenticeship consists of 3 nine month rotations within the bank's Client Coverage department, each with a very different role and day to day responsibilities, which makes it difficult to summarise. However in all rotations we are involved in our team's projects and work regularly with our line managers, as well as using 20% of our time to prepare for our CISI exams.

The role has definitely helped to develop my time management, organisation, and communication skills. Going from a more controlled, timetabled environment such as college or sixth form to a role such as like with more independence really forces you to take personal responsibility for your tasks and meeting deadlines, which allows these skills to develop much more.

Although I am only 3 months into the 2 year programme, I have formed close friendships with the other apprentices in my cohort, learnt a huge amount about the banking industry, and learnt a lot about myself. The jump from a full time job from sixth form was a daunting change, but this is to be expected with all apprenticeships.

Being the first cohort of Client Coverage apprentices, there was some points of slight lack of structure, however this is completely expected with the a new programme. Our apprenticeship leaders constantly ask for feedback for future apprentices and take on any suggestions for the programme, which I know will make the experience more structured for future apprentices.

All of the apprentice's line managers are extremely supportive of our learning and very approachable for any concerns we have. We also have fortnightly group catch ups with our apprenticeship leader to help with anything to do with the programme, this is on top of assigned both buddies and mentors on the floor as another support system.

We have a face to face meeting every six weeks with our learning support manager, in which our line manager attends every other meeting. We are also encouraged to contact them any time we have any concerns or questions outside of these meetings. I have found our training provider to be very helpful.

What we learn in the course that we do is very relevant to our roles as we do see a lot of crossover, but it also provides a general overview of the financial services industry and how it operates, which is knowledge that is very important but since we are without a degree, most of the apprentices do not already know.

There are social events fairly regularly, especially in the event of visitors from other offices coming to visit, which are always enjoyable. There is also a large company wide Christmas party, on top of the individual team ones. Occasionally there are events such as cricket games against clients, in which we are encouraged to play in or come to watch.

Yes

I think it is a great opportunity and alternative to university, which allows you to gain 2 years of practical experience, a qualification, and the ability to earn a good salary. You get to experience a professional, corporate environment first hand and have a chance to develop important life skills.

I would recommend researching a couple of the bank's projects such as FutureMakers and sustainable finance goals. I would also focus less on academic achievements, as this programme looks more at your interests, passions and experiences that demonstrate your strengths so make sure to mention these in your application.