Project Assistant Review

Coming into Lloyds, you start as a Band C Project Assistant. The role of a Project Assistant is solely based around supporting the Project/Programme Manager you are working with. This support can take shape in many ways. This is not to be their personal coffee and tea maker, but you are seen as a very valuable asset to the team. From my experience, I would say that the type of day to day tasks you take on are very much up to how you communicate with your PM. Showing them that you are keen to progress and develop yourself, as well as make their life easier, will determine level of complexity and responsibility your tasks will entail. As an Apprentice, this is also an opportune chance to fill in any experience gaps where you might be lacking, for example, some Project Assistants may not have much experience or confidence to present/facilitate/chair conference calls. Being a Project Assistant (and Apprentice), this is a perfect opportunity to enhance those skills, as there are so many points in a project where you can take ownership of this. For me, many of my responsibilities were around running conference calls and meetings. This means doing the research behind the meetings to work out what needs covered and what people are looking to get out of it. Leading on this, it could mean creating a power-point pack, word document or spread-sheet to be able to distribute go through the meeting with. With the big responsibility of actually running and facilitating the call itself. This can be such a daunting task, especially when you're just getting started, but it's also a very valuable skill which you will need to master at some point - so why not get started early!? As a Project Assistant, there can also be many cases where you will need to have regular communications/interactions with senior stakeholders. This is a daunting aspect of the job, but one that you should really take advantage of. So it seems, Senior Stakeholders are always interested to hear about the apprenticeship and what it entails - it's an incredible ay to kick-off your career!

I've gained a huge amount of knowledge and experience surrounding the Project Management world. Through the APM Project Management Level 4 Qualification, there is so much to learn - and obviously be tested on in the exam! But coming out with a Level 4 Diploma (recognised internationally) is invaluable. People management would be the biggest skill I would say I have developed. How you communicate, interact and manage people in the work place can be one of the trickiest tasks - but as an Apprentice who has come in to learn the ropes - this transition was made a lot easier, and I would say this skill has vastly improved. There are also a vast amount of internal training courses available through Lloyds, which are fashioned to develop you in your role and future roles.

Absolutely love the programme. I've been able to develop as a young professional through the help of a supportive network who are more than happy to lend their advice, knowledge, expertise whenever needed. There is a supportive culture around the office, where it seems like everyone is focused around the same goal - not the 'dog eat dog' culture you might see in the movies! With this solid support network, I have been able to meet the Group expectations detailed in my Yearly Balanced Scorecard, but at the same time exceed all expectations I had of myself!

Everyone I have come across are interested in hearing about the Apprentice Scheme - as it's still such a new aspect to the bank. This has played a huge role in building relationships and support from senior stakeholders who have been more than willing to share their feedback and advice on many occasions. As a Project Assistant who is willing to take on more and more responsibilities, the project managers have shared their appreciation for helping make their lives that bit easier.

Very well organised programme. A 2 day initial induction was a great way to get to grips with the scheme and what the expectations would be. 4 workshops leading up to the exam were invaluable in teaching the content for the exam. I have weekly catch ups with my Line Manager, which is a great opportunity to share any concerns, ask for advice, update on on-going tasks and receive any support you need. Having buddies/mentors assigned was a great way to get any support outside of your day to day role and would 100% recommend that this option is secured early on.

On the run up to the exam, I think the support received was incredible. Being able to submit practice questions, queries, concerns to our tutor was invaluable and I'm not sure where I would have got to in the exam without her! After the exam, there isn't too much support necessary. Having monthly 1:1s with our assessor was adequate, and being able to drop any calls/emails for support was a good option. The scheme has always been happy to support whenever it was needed.

Having 1:1 catch ups with my line manager is a great opportunity to discuss any progress with my on going tasks, get any advice or steer and actively look to improve my delivery. It's also a place to request any support and guidance, and continually look to progress and develop me as an apprentice. Having a few mentors has been an incredible asset, as they have been able to provide me with any support, guidance, advice or even just be an impartial sounding board - being outside of my day to day role. I would recommend to anyone, at any level to have this established.

The salary completely meets my costs in terms of living, travel, daily and social costs. It's an extremely rare opportunity to come right out of school in to such a great starting salary.

If you go looking for them, I'm sure they exist!

Yes

Incredible opportunity to develop your skills in the workplace, get your foot in the door of a great organisation, gain invaluable experience and a well recognised qualification, and earn a very competitive salary - all at once! Definitely was the best choice for me, as someone who wasn't sold into the university hype.

Application Process - this can be quite a daunting aspect, as the tests in there may not seem like your biggest strengths. Big tip would be to not let this stop you from applying and taking on the tests - you might surprise yourself! Interviews - Be yourself! Don't go into the interview prepared to act like someone you're not, this can only hurt you. Be prepared, I wouldn't recommend just turning up and hoping for the best. Think about what the interviewer might ask you about. If teamwork comes up, think about examples where you've excelled. Assessment day - this is quite a gruelling process, but my biggest tip would be to go in prepared to be tested to the max. Do your homework! Prepare a great presentation that shows you've really thought about it (if that's still part if the day...). Show the interviewers/ees what kind of person you would be like to work with. On boarding - there is no such thing as a stupid question! Ask away, make sure that you understand everything that you need to, no matter if it means getting someone to explain multiple times. Get to know your teams/peers/stakeholders and develop those relationships - build your network. Last tip would be to proactively search for development opportunities.