Higher Apprenticeship Project Management Review

Part of a small team delivering a major cultural change to drive improved Compliance and Conduct outcomes within Community Bank and Wealth. A large part of my role has been to ensure that all colleagues are aware of the change to their role and are engaged with the new process

I learnt how to: - Build and develop effective relationships with stakeholders and the importance of providing clear progress updates - Drive forward actions and see them through to conclusion - Build and maintaining project plans, managing slippage by developing structured solutions to minimise Business impact - Create and maintain bespoke branded temporary intranet sites

I believe the apprenticeship has provided more support and encouragement than a non-apprentice role and I encourage everyone to consider this route. I have thoroughly enjoyed the additional responsibilities offered to me above my pay grade allowing me to showcase my existing skills and as a result I have now achieved a promotion to Project Manager by my Programme Manager.

The day to day structure of the on the job training has been very well organised, and the project management workshops leading up to the exam were excellent. The workshop tutor was very approachable and was always willing to provide extra feedback and mark additional practice papers. I could have completed my assessments in a shorter time had I been allowed to submit, as the evidence I was collecting covered all criteria.

My employer was very supportive, I have a weekly 1:1 to discuss tasks and personal development. I worked from home when needed to complete apprentice work. My day to day tasks focussed around the criteria I needed to cover for my apprenticeship and to develop my skills in preparation for a promotion.

The workshop tutor was excellent, very knowledgeable and approachable. We were encouraged to submit extra practice papers prior to the exam and received excellent feedback. I had a monthly visit or call from my external assessor who offered guidance on completing the assessments and supported any work or apprenticeship query that I had.

I feel that through my apprenticeship I have had more opportunities than a non apprentice role. I have been encouraged - but not pushed - beyond my comfort zone to learn new skills. The qualification has given me a better understanding of Project Management than the role alone offered, but by experiencing both on the job and classroom training I feel that I have received an excellent basis to build my career.

I have been involved in many extra- curricular activities whilst on the apprenticeship. I hosted a promotional event to support National Apprenticeship Week to internal colleagues where a number of apprentices across various business areas shared their experiences of the scheme. Colleagues had the opportunity to discuss the range of apprenticeships available, selection process and training programmes. The week-long event was very well received and attended by colleagues initially enquiring on behalf of their children considering apprenticeships as an alternative to university but potentially for themselves too. I worked with third party suppliers to streamline the 2018 Apprentice recruitment campaign: evaluating the online interview and assessment activities used during the selection process. This was followed by supporting the 2018 Apprentice selection at an assessment centre: interviewing candidates, setting challenges and finally evaluating their performance for suitability. I have completed photo and film shoots to promote my apprenticeship profile as a mature apprentice. Sharing my apprenticeship experience, promoting the benefits of completing the Apprenticeship programme, and describing the development opportunities and support received. I have also supported numerous charity events and wider community programmes including Mental Health, The Gathering Place homeless shelter, and Calderdale Hospital children’s ward.

Yes

Lloyds Banking Group is just a great place to work! The opportunities for personal development are fantastic, the encouragement and support offered by all colleagues I have come across is amazing with everyone willing to find time to sit down with you, share their knowledge and help you become the best you can.

Take time over your application, read through it with a colleague or friend before submitting it. Some of the roles receive a large number of applications so ensure that yours is the best it can be. If you don't succeed first time, take it as a practice and try again!