Trainee Software Engineer Review

by Lloyds Banking Group

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.5/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

My role is that of a Trainee Software Engineer. In general the role is that of someone who plans, designs, builds, tests and maintains/update current/existing and new software applications on a variety of platforms. I use a wide array of different technology stacks from COBOL all the way through to the latest DevOps toolchains.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

The main skills that I have learnt and have developed on are working in a full agile work environment. Understanding how agile works and how DevOps works have been the main skills that I have learnt. Further to that I have been exposed to new technologies, primarily on the IBM Mainframe.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Well if I am being completely honest I have not started my programme yet. I started with the company on the 29th of October and it's now the 22nd of January and I have not heard anything yet from my training provider, Firebrand. Apparently there is a lot of admin and paperwork that needs to get signed off between the company and the training provider, so I have no idea what the actual program will be like.

4/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

A lot! As I mentioned in the previous question, I have received no word from my training provider, Firebrand, yet. But my employer has been very good at keeping me busy and supporting me through this time. The team that I am on are very good and have been helping me navigate the immense complexity of working for a very large, fintech company.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

2/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I feel that once I start my actual programme and start working towards my qualification then it will absolutely help me towards performing better in my role and doing my day to day activities. Getting a good, solid theoretical training and then being able to implement that directly into practice will be very good.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Our company has an internal "Facebook like" site that all employees get access to. On this platform there are groups and people interested in all sorts of things, so no matter what it is that you are interested in there will definitely be something that you can get involved in, for sure!

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Lloyds Banking Group to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

I feel that Lloyds Banking Group is a wonderful company to work for and there is so much room for growth, both vertically and horizontally. I would say this is especially true for Engineering roles as the company is making a huge investment and push in more Engineering roles and people.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Lloyds Banking Group?

Be prepared for a long, long process. This is understandable as it is such a large company and traditionally banks of this size are very slow moving machines with a lot of moving parts. There was a lot of competition as well for the roles, but just be yourself and you will do great!