Data Analyst Apprentice Review

by Newcastle Building Society

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My role entails me looking at data about our mortgage products and deriving insights that can help answer business questions, forecast and/or give recommendations based on my findings.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learned how to code using R, SQL and Python. I came in with no experience in coding and received great support and time to learn and I use R every day and I feel very confident with it.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I enjoy my teaching program, I have a good coach who I am able to contact at any time outwith classes for advice or to answer any questions I have. Baltic also run several masterclasses and webinar which I have access to and I find this helps with my learning by developing my skills further.

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I think it is structured well, I have two days of classes every 6 weeks that are focused on learning a specific area. These classes are very practical which I enjoy. I also get one day a week to focus on my apprenticeship work and I am free to use this time however I feel is best.

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I receive a lot of support from my team, I have weekly check ins with my manager where I can discuss any issues I am having or any questions I have. I also have a mentor who I chat to on a monthly basis who has been through a similar path as I have. This is a great opportunity to get advice and support from a different perspective.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

I receive a good amount of support from Baltic. I can contact my coach at any time with any questions I have and I usually receive a swift reply. There is also support provided for any learning differences you may have and they can accommodate for your learning style within reason.

8/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I think my qualification helps me to get a well rounded big picture view of data analysis whereas in my role I am learning more of the details. I think this is really important to understand why something is done and I have found myself understanding my practical work more as I learn more of the theory.

10/10

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.)

Yes, there are several networks that you can join like the lgbtq+ society etc. I also have made friends with the other apprentices starting at the same time so our cohort often do social activities.

8/10

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

Yes

9b. Why?

I have found Newcastle Building Society to be a very friendly and welcoming place to work. Everyone in my team have been supportive in my learning. I think the culture is great and there is flexibility in how I complete my work. NBS seem to genuinely care about your well being and create an environment to foster your talents.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Newcastle Building Society?

I would say be yourself and talk about your passions. If you get to go to the assessment then go in with a positive attitude (it's pretty relaxed) and prepare for the interview before. In the documents they send you before hand it mentions the pillars of the organisation so prep your examples to fit into these areas. Good luck!