Rhys gives us an insight into what life as a vocational trainee is like and top tips for anyone thinking of pursuing this route!

 

Tell us what you’re currently doing.

“I’m a Vocational Trainee / Sponsored Degree Candidate with Commerzbank. A Vocational Trainee is very similar to a degree apprentice, and I work within Corporate Finance at the bank.”

What does a typical day look like for you?

“Typically my day involves things like financial modelling using Microsoft Excel, creating pitch books on Microsoft PowerPoint to deliver to clients, attending client and internal meetings, working and communicating with other banks on live transactions, reviewing legal documents such as our contracts with clients, managing internal systems and working with internal stakeholders, such as finance, admin teams and relationship managers who support our team’s (Corporate Finance) work.”

What’s the best thing about your role?

“The exposure at a young age! Corporate Finance work typically requires a degree from a top university, however this programme makes gaining this experience a lot more accessible for people from disadvantaged backgrounds. On the job, I love the financial modelling aspect and gaining a holistic overview of a company’s performance, assessing their future potential as well as any associated credit concerns to be aware of, and then utilizing that within pitches which gets delivered to the clients. These pitches may be with CEO’s, CFO’s and company treasurers, so this means you get to work with really intelligent and successful people.”

Tell us about your career journey up to your current role.

“I worked part time as a lifeguard during school time, as well as a retail assistant during the Covid-19 pandemic. These provided me with great transferrable skills, such as teamwork and communication, which can then be listed on CV, cover letters, and provides examples of situations to be discussed at interviews. The degree apprenticeship started in September 2020 where I joined the corporate finance team and then have been there since. Degree apprenticeships also offer rotations and I was able to explore other departments like relationship management, as well as work abroad, during my time on this scheme.”

What was the first step in your career and how did you secure it?

“The first step is applications! Ensuring you have a good CV, cover letter, and preparing for online assessments and interviews by doing practice tests and attending workshops, gave me the confidence that I can do my best through the application process.”

What advice would you give to younger Sutton Trust alumni just starting out on their career journeys?

“Don’t worry about making mistakes. People would be very surprised if you don’t make any, and you will have many people around you able and willing to help your development – no-one expects an apprentice to know everything! Be open to opportunities, whether it’s meeting new people or working/exploring another department – you never know where and when somebody, and your experience, may take you.”

Did you face any barriers in accessing your career, and how did you overcome these?

“Heading into A levels, I had no clue about certain industries, what makes a good CV, and how to answer interview questions. Working with charities such as The Sutton Trust, the Social Mobility Foundation and The Brokerage ensured that I was prepared, by giving CV and cover letter tips, workshops and interview prep, and able to present myself well! Access to resources such as CV preparation and interview skills are very difficult and don’t just present themselves to people of socioeconomically and characteristically disadvantaged backgrounds, so it is important to research, and work alongside people and organisations who are more than ready to support you.”

If, like Rhys, you’d like to share your story with us – just get in touch with the alumni team via [email protected].

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