Business Analyst Apprentice Review

My role involves looking at how the current business activities and how they interact and where we want the business to be, I then analyse ad solutionise how we would like to achieve this and the methods we take to get there. Day-to-day activities will include talking to stakeholders, gathering requirements (what needs to be done), documenting these and coming up with ideas to fix a problem.

I have learnt an extensive list of new skills as well as developing upon skills I already have. I have learnt new skills which I have never heard of before the apprenticeship like agile methodologies which is concerned about the way we work. I also built on skills and developed further my skills in analysis leadership and interpersonal skills as I worked alongside a wide range of stakeholders.

I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship so far. I have made so many friends with both the other apprentices in my cohort but also within my direct everyday working team. I also feel like I have been given lots of freedom within my work and opportunities to progress myself, whilst also being trained and allowed to ask questions when I need to. In addition to this, being able to get qualifications and experience alongside getting paid is something I really enjoy as am not in debt from uni or from paying for my apprenticeship courses.

Very well structured, I am allowed my 20% off the job learning time each wee and I have the choice of which day I take this. From the very beginning we are told the structure and what work for the apprenticeship needs to be completed and by what time scale. Within work I spend time of different projects for certain periods of time to ensure I meet the apprenticeship knowledge, skills and behaviour criteria.

Good support within my direct team I have weekly checkings with my learning mentor where we have a catch up and discuss anything I might need support on. I also have regular catch ups with my line manager to discuss how I am doing and whether I'm meeting my relevant skills. In the wider team I have monthly ask me anythings with the apprenticeship team which allows me to ask any questions surroundng the apprenticeship if I have them. In the mean time between calls if I need anything I can just send any of them a message and have a quick call if I have questions or need support.

We have monthly catch ups and a big quaterly catch up as well with our learning coach. Here we discuss progress and how the apprenticeship is going and if I'm meeting goal. In between these calls I have emailed my coach if I am in need of support or have questions. They push us to succeed and are helpful for us to gain our qualifications.

It helps majorly as the training on courses we recieve directly relates to the work you do on a day-to-day basis. Within these courses I have been able to deepen my understanding around areas I may have already touched on but also to start my learning on things that I may not have yet touch based on within my everyday work. Therefore, with these skills I can perform better as I have a stronger understanding of what I am doing and why these skills work.

There are lots of events in work within teams and as a wider platform. There are also lots of communities you can join for a range of people and likes within these there are networking events you can attend and meet others. There are also social activities posted on our community page i.e. puppy yoga. All are good ways of meeting people in the wider network.

Yes

I would reccomend Lloyds as they have been extremely helpful and welcoming to me in my development so far, the opportunities I have been given go even further than I thought I would have within my first 10 months on the job. There is a general understanding in the lab about my learning and everyone is keen to help and improve upon my skills. Everyone is friendly and I have made loads of friendships from this role as well. Career progression looks good and I am excited to further my skills.

Be freindly and enthusiastic about the apprenticeship and show that you are willing to learn and improve. From conversations I have had with those on the assessment days they look for transferrable skills, willingness to learn and your personality more tan your past experience. They're looking for people who want to better themselves and get into a new role. Also there's no age limit to get started, if you;re interested definetly apply! Lloyds want to see you grow and succeed.