Financial Services Apprentice Review

I am a financial services apprentice within the business and commercial banking operations space. My role on a day to day basis involves Interest recalculation, backdating interest, Credit and Debit interest rate amendments, refunds, etc. I also am involved in mentorship activities regarding apprenticeship.

My apprenticeship program has helped me develop the 12 meta skills such as, Integrity, Curiosity, Adaptability, Critical Thinking, Sense Making, etc. Most of the skills were existing skill, and the program has helped me sharpen those skills. The most that I have developed through this program was, Leadership and Critical Thinking.

I have been enjoying the program from the very first week I had joined it. One of the reasons is, my apprenticeship instructor from Babington has been a great mentor and a guide. He has been giving me proper instructions which have been clear and has been guiding me to the right path towards the completion. Moreover, my line manager has been very helpful and supportive as well. I have been getting 20% of time off the business per week which has helped me greatly.

The program is very well structured with 2 components, Certificate for Customer Service in the Financial Services Sector SCQF level 6 and PDA in Introductory Leadership and Management SCQF Level 6. The main component comprises of 5 units and the PDA consists of 37 units. Each unit requires evidence to be provided to fulfill them.

I receive great support from my employer for my apprenticeship program. One of the great things about doing an apprenticeship with Lloyds Banking Group is that an apprentice receives a great level of care and support. The group provides 20% of the total weekly hours off the business to dedicate towards the apprenticeship.

I have been getting great support from Babington. My instructor has been very responsive in terms of communication. The training provider has always been in touch with me and my line manager to ensure there is harmony,

The apprenticeship programme has added to my knowledge and skills substantially via the rigorous programme requirement. I have been learning the existing theories and models which I have been able to apply in a real professional setting. This has contributed to my knowledge and skill depth in my role.

At Lloyds banking group we get significant amount of time dedicated towards extracurricular activities. For example, the bank allocates a day to make a difference each year throughout the bank. Different departments use the day to contribute to the society in different ways. Moreover, as an apprenticeship ambassador, I have been going to different institutions and have been promoting the apprenticeship programs to students, parents and teachers, across Scotland.

Yes

Lloyds Banking Group has a people first approach from both internal and external perspective. The organisation is investing heavily into young individuals like me who want to learn and contribute to the wider economy of the UK. With a diverse and inclusive work culture, LBG has created a great space for young individuals to thrive in the financial services sector.

To anyone who is applying for the apprenticeship programmes offered by LBG, make sure to understand what each apprenticeship program offers. LBG offers a wide range of apprenticeship programs at different levels. An individual needs to set his/her career vision before applying.