A colleague’s journey
I joined NatWest in 2021 through BPP’s Level 3 Financial Services Customer Adviser apprenticeship, starting my career as a Relationship Management Apprentice. Looking back, the apprenticeship didn’t just give me my first opportunity in banking, it gave me the foundations I’ve relied on throughout every role since.
Being able to learn alongside doing the job meant I was developing practical skills from day one. I learnt how to build relationships, understand customers and their businesses, communicate with different people and, importantly, how to keep learning and developing myself. The apprenticeship also helped build my confidence in an industry that was completely new to me and gave me a much broader understanding of financial services.
After completing my apprenticeship, I progressed within the team to an Assistant Relationship Manager, supporting customers across a broad range of sectors, from agriculture and landed estates to manufacturing and haulage. I then moved into Credit Delivery in 2023, initially as an Assistant Director before progressing after 12 months to Associate Director, where I’ve spent the last few years structuring and delivering complex funding solutions for customers across the West Midlands.
Now, just under six years after joining NatWest as an apprentice, I’m taking my next step as a Relationship Director within Real Estate Finance. Those foundations I built in my apprenticeship have stayed just as relevant as my career has progressed. Whether I’ve been supporting a customer in Relationship Management, working through a complex lending proposal in Credit Delivery or preparing to step into a Relationship Director role, so much of it comes back to understanding the customer, asking the right questions, communicating clearly and being willing to continually learn.
For me, the apprenticeship wasn’t simply a route into banking or a qualification I completed at the beginning of my career. It gave me a foundation that I’ve continued to build on at every stage.
My advice to anyone starting an apprenticeship would be not to worry about having your whole career mapped out. I certainly didn’t. Be curious, ask questions, build relationships and take opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone. Your apprenticeship might be your first step, but the skills and confidence you gain from it can take you much further than you might initially imagine!
Megan Harp
Relationship Director – Real Estate Finance
Find out about your programme and step-by-step guidance on how to apply. Click to find out more.
Once you have been accepted on programme you'll be invited to an online webinar to meet the programme team.
You will be provided with an individual learning plan with deadlines to submit either via BPP's online portal or Institute website
Complete any required English and maths Functional Skills with full support from BPP.
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Designed to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to build your career in financial services. You’ll learn how to understand and support customer needs, communicate effectively, work within financial regulations and develop strong professional skills through live learning, independent study and on-the-job experience.
As part of the programme, you’ll also work towards the Chartered Banker Institute’s Professional Banker Certificate (PBC), giving you an additional professional qualification alongside your apprenticeship.
Start your career in financial services while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in the industry. You’ll explore financial services governance, customer and stakeholder relationships, digital and AI, sustainable banking, problem solving and strategic planning, applying your learning directly in the workplace.
Alongside your apprenticeship, you’ll work towards the Chartered Banker Institute Associate Chartered Banker Diploma, helping you develop your professional expertise and providing a strong foundation for your future career in financial services.
Created to give you the skills and knowledge to manage projects successfully from start to finish. You’ll learn how to plan projects, manage risks and budgets, communicate with stakeholders and monitor progress, while developing the confidence to support teams and deliver agreed objectives.
You’ll apply your learning directly in the workplace, building practical project management experience.
On completion, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose a professional qualification to support your continued career development.
Build the skills and knowledge to provide effective customer service within a financial services environment. You’ll develop your understanding of customer needs, financial documentation, complaints, continuous improvement and professional relationships, applying your learning directly in the workplace.
As part of the programme, you’ll also work towards the Chartered Banker Institute Professional Banker Certificate (PBC), giving you an additional professional qualification alongside your apprenticeship.
Develop the practical skills and knowledge to succeed in a business environment. You’ll strengthen your ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, analyse and report data, use digital communications and produce professional documents, while applying your learning directly in the workplace.
Throughout the programme, you’ll develop your confidence, performance and professional skills through work-based projects, portfolio development and regular coaching, helping you take greater responsibility and make an impact in your role