Higher Project Manager Apprentice Review

I am Currently working as a PMO Assistant within Global Payments. On a day-to-day basis my tasks will include advising and reviewing all projects under various programmes, helping colleagues within my area to use our processes and toolkits, updating and implementing changes to the main Change Toolkit. In addition to this, I am also taking on a Project Assistant role, the project is about integrating 5 new coleeagues into the team, so my team and I have to make sure this process goes as smoothly as possible, that we do not over spend or over use our resources, and ensuring the new colleagues are happy within the team and that they feel supported.

Whilst working as an Apprentice, I have gained a wide variety of skills that I feel I could never have achieved if I went to University. The Apprenticeship offers various different training courses which come in many different forms such as conference calls, group sessions, webinars, live Meets etc. All these courses give me the skills and development which are essential for my career progression, some of these skills include finance, communication, negotiation, project scheduling, project processes and many more. In addition, as well as the Apprenticeship offering me training courses, I also have the opportunity to learn new skills within my own area as they also offer courses and conferences with Senior figures which will enable me to learn more about the business area I am in. These training courses all lead up to two exams that I complete later this year, and, if I succeed, I will recieve an APMP Practitioner qualification, which means I will be a fully qualified Project Manager who is nationally recognised within any company I go too.

This Apprenticeship is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me as Lloyds Banking Group is the only compaby which offers a Higher Project Management Appreticeship. In preparing for my first day, I was wary that I would be treated as a junior and not taken seriously within the team. But I was actually treated in completely the opposite way, every memeber within the team was eager to meet me and know what my background was, I was involved in all meetings and social events and from day one I was challenged with important tasks that I could take a huge amount of responsibility for. This made me feel more appreciated within the team and I was surprsed by how welcoming the team was. I also enjoy spending time with the fellow apprenticeships, professionally and socially. Over the last few months we have been through a lot together so we all have a very strong relationship with one another, so there is no point in my career where I feel alone or have no support.

As I previously stated, I was very surprised on how welcomoing the team was which made me feel like a valued Lloyds Banking Gfroup colleague. In addition, I have my Line and Task Manager who always challenges me during my career, making sure I progress and go above and beyond my potential. They will also give me support as and when I need it and will ensure that I am always involved in any event which will benefit me. The salary and benefits that are provided is another way of how I feel valued, as all coleaagues are offered the same benefits, regardless of what Grade you are. The benefits can vary from Dental Plans aqll the way to cash lump sums, which means there is something for everyone to keep them motivated through teir job. Another great thing about Lloyds Banking Group is that they always take the time to appreciate the work that myself and all coleeagues have done, whether this be a team or individual effort. I myself have appreciated by publishing an article about me on the Group Change Intranet site and within my business area's magazine.

It is very well organised as I have a great work balance between the tasks I do for my team and that raining I go through for my Apprenticeship. In addition I have a huge amount of support no matter what taks or training course I do. I always know who I am reporting to, who they report to, who my Senior manager is, who my Director is etc. I also have a mentor who I talk too on a monthly basis which is brilliant as I learn a lot of new skillsand opportunities from her, without my mentor I would not be able to fully progress in my career.

Throughout my Apprenticeship I am assessed by PDS to see if I can achieve my APMP qualfication and that I have the correct skills to become a Project Manager. My assessor is based in Scotland which can be a prpblem with communication, however once a month he visits London to catch up and review my progress which is a great way of seeing how i'm doing and to ask any questions or pronlems.

From day one I have had a large amount of support from my team, HR, my Apprentices, all of which have made my time at lloyds Banking Group enjoyable and stress free. Not once have I felt nervous or out of my depth as I know I can always rely on my team and Managers for support as and when I need it.

I was not execting such a generous salary and benefits package for an Apprentice. My salary easily covers all my expenses with enough left over for me to enjoy the luxuries of life. In addition, my benefits package offers great incentives which adds on to my salary which is such a relief for someone of my age as many young people will be facing £27,000+ worth of debt, whic is a situation that no young person wants to go through.

There is always an opportunity for me to get involved with company and team events throughout the year which enables me to progress throughout my career and network with many different colleagues of different levels and areas of the team. As well as this, there are many charity events which I am always keen to join to help raise money or raise awareness. This year Lloyds Banking Group's Chairty Partnership is with Children in Need, so every team, every area, every office and every colleague must get involved with raising money for Children in Need. I have also been able to act as an Apprentice Ambassador, which means I again get involved with a large number of events to spread the meassgae of Apprenticeships across the UK. The events always focus on sccools and coleeges where the students are unsure whether to go University or get a job, so it is always fulfilling to know that I am helping and advising young people through this difficult and crucial part of their lives.

Yes

It is a fantastic company to work for and has a range of different jobs and programmes which could suit any person. As many of my friends are at University, I would advise them to apply for the Graduate/Intern scheme as Lloyds Banking Group offers essential work expereince and skills that would look good on any CV.

The main point to emphasise when applying for Lloyds Banking Group is to stay patient, as this is a lengthy process, usually lasting 4-6 months. The Interview processes are achieveable yet challenging so those who are serious about applying must put in as much effort as they can. Another essential thing candidates need to do is nake sure that you always come across passionate, confident and unique, all within a business manner.