Loan Officer Apprentice

Job Description: Farmers Bank, Loan Officer Apprentice

Reports to: Branch Manager & SCO Classification: Exempt Employee

Office Location: Various 

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Farmers Bank Loan Officer Apprentice is a structured training position designed to develop the competencies required for a Commercial Loan Officer role through a combination of on-the-job learning and related instruction. Under the direction of the Senior Credit Officer and Branch Manager, the apprentice works alongside experienced commercial loan officers to build proficiency in all areas of lending, credit analysis, and customer relationship management. This position follows a defined training progression with increasing responsibility as competencies are achieved.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Participate in a structured, work-based learning program designed to build competencies in commercial lending and credit analysis.

· Under the direction of the Branch Manager and in coordination with assigned commercial loan officers, interview loan applicants, review customer financial information, evaluate bank card applications, and assist in determining credit eligibility.

· Develop a working knowledge of bank loan policies, collection procedures, and regulatory compliance requirements.

· Assist with the development of new business by contacting potential credit applicants and supporting relationship-building with existing bank customers.

· Engage in progressive skill development through mentorship, job shadowing, and increasingly complex lending responsibilities.

· Participate in cross-training opportunities and special projects to gain a comprehensive understanding of overall bank operations.

· Maintain knowledge of all bank services and products to support cross-selling efforts.

· Complete required training benchmarks and demonstrate competency attainment as part of the apprenticeship progression.

· Perform related duties as assigned.

APPRENTICESHIP STRUCTURE

This position is part of a formal apprenticeship program that includes:

o Structured on-the-job training

o Mentorship by experienced loan officers

o Progressive wage or responsibility increases based on skill attainment

o Related instruction (as applicable)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS

· Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with customers and stakeholders.

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage daily responsibilities and training requirements.

· Basic proficiency in computer applications, including spreadsheet and word processing software.

· Ability to complete work accurately and within established timelines while progressing through training milestones.

· Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, agricultural economics, or a related field OR three years of related business experience required.

· Demonstrated willingness to learn and successfully complete a structured apprenticeship training program.