One year as an Apprentice Mortgage Administrator
I’m Toby, and a year ago I embarked on a new journey as an apprentice mortgage administrator. It has been a year of learning the intricacies of the mortgage process, one regulation and document at a time.
Steep Learning Curve:
The beginning was challenging. I dove headfirst into acronyms like LTV, KFI and AIP. Shadowing experienced admins, I absorbed the mortgage process from start to finish. It was a challenge, but with each completed task and answered question, I felt myself becoming more comfortable in this new environment.
Beyond the Paperwork:
Being an apprentice wasn’t just about the learning. There was the daily grind of mortgage applications, file management, and keeping clients informed. Juggling these tasks with completing my apprenticeship work demanded sharp time management skills.
The Human Touch:
One of the biggest surprises was the human aspect of the job. Sure, mortgages are about finances, but ultimately, they’re about people achieving their dream of homeownership. Being a part of that journey, whether it was keeping clients updated or answering their questions, turned out to be very rewarding.
Learning under pressure:
The mortgage industry can be tough. Tight deadlines, complex situations, and ever-changing regulations constantly tested my abilities. These challenges forced me to adapt quickly, think on my feet, and never hesitate to clarify any doubts. It wasn’t always easy, but it definitely helped me grow.
One year on:
A year later, I’m no longer the wide-eyed newbie. Now, I’m a more confident and knowledgeable mortgage administrator with a solid foundation in the industry. The apprenticeship program gave me valuable skills and knowledge, and I’m eager to keep learning and growing. Whether I become a mortgage adviser or explore another area, this experience opened doors I couldn’t have foreseen.
Mentor Feedback:
Over the last year I have been mentored by Lucy, an experienced mortgage administrator, and Gareth, a senior mortgage adviser. I asked them for feedback on my progress from the last 12 months and this is what they had to say:
Lucy: Reflecting on the first year of mentoring Toby, I am filled with a sense of pride. It has been a journey of growth and learning for both of us and witnessing his development from a shy beginner to a trusted and proficient member of our team has been incredibly rewarding. Toby is a quick learner with a meticulous eye for detail, liaising with clients, lenders and solicitors with ease, he is an asset to the team. I have enjoyed guiding and supporting him every step of the way and I am excited to see what the future has in store!
Gareth: Toby has come a long way on his journey with us, from slightly nervous and shy beginnings to a reliable and trusted member of the team. Toby has shown himself to be a really quick learner and his knowledge and confidence have grown with every application and client interaction. It’s not all positive though, having young Toby around has made me feel pretty old on a few occasions, especially when I can’t believe he hasn’t heard of that famous film or song from my youth as he wasn’t even born! But joking aside, Toby has been an asset to the business since he joined us and we can’t wait to see what the future brings!
Considering an Apprenticeship?
This is just the first chapter in my journey. There’s a lot more to learn, but one thing’s for sure, it’s been a challenging and rewarding experience, and I can’t wait to see where the future takes me!
If you’re curious about finance and crave hands-on learning, a mortgage administration apprenticeship could be a great option. It’s a fantastic way to gain valuable skills, industry knowledge, and a qualification – all while earning a living. If you are interested, contact us to find out more.