Meet Nicholas, an apprentice in London

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Nicholas and I've been working here for three months. Outside of work, I really enjoy producing my own music and have done it for about five years now. I also have a black belt in karate and a national championship medal.

Did you have any preconceptions of working for a bank?

Having had no experience in an organisation like this before, naturally I had some preconceptions. Everyone has heard of the saying 'cog in the machine' and this is largely what I thought corporate organisations would be like. I can't speak for any other companies, but here it is much the opposite of this.

I remember wondering if I would be a valued member of the team when everyone around me was ten times more qualified and experienced than me – but I was! I was surprised at how warming it was compared to what I first thought. On my first day in the office, almost everyone came up to me and introduced themselves. There is an ethos that we all look out for each other.

What impressed you the most on your first day?

The technology is amazing and really advanced. There are dedicated teams for almost every section of the company. It really is a driving force in the industry. I envisaged a working environment with desktops and clunky screens on desks and was actually blown away when I saw an agile setup. It makes working much easier. It’s also fun when you get to use loads of cool tech that your friends haven't ever heard of.

What is the office like?

It's a brilliant place to come and work every day, in the heart of the city with almost any option for lunch. The building located at 5 Broadgate looks amazing from the outside, but the inside is truly something else. I worked in Shoreditch for a while and walked past the building each day not knowing that it was UBS, thinking to myself "What a beautiful building, why can't I work in there?"

What do you love most about working here?

The thing I love most is the people. Everyone is so welcoming and accepting. Collaboration is a key principle at UBS and I have noticed that a lot since joining. I think I've met more interesting people here in the last three months than I have over the last few years. UBS brings people from all around the globe together and everyone will to talk to you!