Marketing Higher Apprentice Review

My job title is Higher Marketing Apprentice and I work on the Customer Literature team in the Group Brands and Marketing department at LBG. My daily tasks/interactions include annual reviews of documents, supporting my team, admin tasks (such as updating databases, handling budgets etc.), and working on new projects. My daily interactions include conversing with internal stakeholders from all over LBG, other teams on the marketing floor, external agencies (e.g. Studio 6, HH Global), working with artwork teams from HH Global. I am currently responsible for 25 brochures that I look after and update annually. I have had the opportunity to work on different projects, such as creating new videos, digitalising brochures, creating new brochureware for different sectors etc.

My higher apprenticeship involves working towards a NVG qualification in Marketing and Advertising. I have attended internal courses such as tone of voice training for Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland brand, digital expert day, agency inductions and every 6 weeks I attend a core block in Solihull to learn about Marketing as part of my apprenticeship, along with attending development workshops. There is always lots of events going on at LBG for you to attend. I have been to a few external events including Digital Cinema Media event, behavioural economics workshops and many more. I think since the apprenticeship has started I have gained a lot of confidence and feel comfortable speaking with different people at different levels in the bank. Everyday you learn new things that you have to do in your role. I have to use a software called Your Marketing for my role which I now feel confident in using as well as other Microsoft softwares. Small talk is a huge part of networking so that is a useful skill that I have perfected!

From the start of my apprenticeship I recognised straight away that LBG is a great place to work. They really respect their employees and offer a lot of benefits and rewards for good work. The culture on the marketing floor is very bubbly and relaxed. I think the team really makes a difference to your enjoyment too. I love the team that I have been put in and everyone is so supportive and friendly. It definitely exceeded my expectations. The work is also very engaging and they always make sure that you are working on interesting projects here. I really am enjoying myself here and would definitely want to stay here after my apprenticeship.

Managers are very thankful and appreciative for work that you have done. They are very rewarding. During my time here I have been nominated for high five awards by managers and team members. They are very supportive of your studying and are quick to thank you for any tasks and give recognition. I feel very valued in my team.

I think the programme was well-organised. We had an induction for the apprenticeship a month after our start date, most likely so we could get settled into our teams. This kicked off our apprentice coursework and studying side of the role. My team set up a week of induction activities with introductions into different teams and people and training on the different aspects of the role as well. We were provided a previous year apprentice as a mentor and had weekly meetings. My line manager was very supportive and we also had weekly meetings to see how I was getting on and making sure I was happy with everything. Tasks would go through my line manager in the beginning and she would communicate them to me to ensure I understood what had to be done. People now come to me directly.

We have 1 tutor between 9 of us which is fine. Our day to contact her is Thursday and we can arrange calls, meets or video calls/live meets with her to discuss any problems with work or coursework. She provides guidance when you need it and is always happy and positive to help you out.

My line manager is very supportive of both work and studying. She is happy to answer any of my questions and I feel comfortable asking. There is a lot of support available from your tutor and colleagues, as well as the HR team. The HR team were very helpful when sorted out my tax in the first month. Everyone is very positive and happy to assist.

The salary and overall package comfortably meets my costs. I currently live with my mum but I do pay her rent each month and the salary comfortably covers that. When I move out LBG will provide me with a cheaper mortgage rate and other benefits that will greatly benefit me. I think the salary is just right for social and travel costs.

There are plenty of opportunities outside of work. We have a social committee on our floor (which I have joined) that organise social events for the marketing department on a regular basis. We have quite a few lined up for the summer including a hog roast, sports day etc. They have a great voluntary initiative called day to make a difference where you have a day off of work to do a volunteering day. They are also very involved with Children in Need and hold regular activities for this. There is many different clubs and classes that people hold/go to. It is a very sociable company.

Yes

I have enjoyed every part of my apprenticeship and would recommend it to all of my friends. They value you as an employee and the rewards you get are better than most companies that I have seen. I really like my team and look forward to future opportunities here.

Remain positive throughout the application process. The video interview seems daunting but you have plenty of time to prepare your answer before being recorded. Dress appropriately and look presentable during the video interview and the assessment day. The assessment day is quite a tough process as there is many different activities but as long as you have prepared everything will be fine. Make sure you know all about LBG and their values - this is very important. Don't be afraid to go for something even if you don't have relevant experience. Try and make yourself be a bit different from everyone else - stand out!