At Lloyds Banking Group, apprenticeships are an outstanding route to a fulfilling professional life, whatever your background or vocation. And our programmes offer more than most. As an apprentice with us, you’ll be part of something big.
We offer all sorts of apprenticeships, from intermediate to degree level, with programmes in everything from Relationship Management, Customer Service and Marketing, to Project Management, IT and Digital Banking.
Whichever route you choose, from day one you’ll have a permanent role, with a full salary and benefits. What’s more, we’ll invest heavily in your growth and development. You’ll enjoy in-depth training and support to help you realise your potential.
Before joining the Lloyds Banking Group apprenticeship scheme, 18-year-old Hannah Considine was waitressing and considering a career as a PE teacher. Now, just a few months later, she’s helping customers with £250,000 or more to manage their money.
Hannah’s story is just one of the ways our apprentices are making a difference to our business and how we’re helping them to make a start in their careers.
We caught up with Hannah to ask her a few questions about her time so far with Lloyds Banking Group, and to find out how she’s getting on.
First, give us a bit of background as to how you came to join us?
Well, I finished college two years ago having studied Spanish, Psychology, Photography and Sport. I’ve always been keen on fitness and health and was considering that I may become a PE Teacher, but decided to broaden my options and look around at what else was available.
I was looking for a good apprenticeship programme, but there wasn’t a huge amount available at the level I was interested in – and then I saw the vacancy for a Level 6 Relationship Management Apprenticeship with Lloyds Banking Group. It looked as though this would give me a sustainable career with a really good company – and I applied straight away.
What’s been the biggest change you’ve noticed in yourself since you started?
I’ve only been on the programme a few months, but I can’t believe how much I’ve matured. I’m earning a proper salary, managing my money, paying rent and really moving on in my life. I’ve grown up. And at work, I’m learning so much too. Time management has been the main area, and also how to behave in a professional office environment. They don’t teach you that at college.
What were you most nervous about before you joined, and what’s surprised you most about the role?
I was a little anxious initially about working in such a professional business environment with such wealthy private clients. But I needn’t have worried. It’s actually quite nice being ‘new’ here. I’m getting lots of guidance and support and the team have eased me into my new role quite gently. They are incredibly supportive, really happy to explain things to me and will help with anything. Usually, new people in this team have come from the branch network, so they have previous banking experience they can rely on. My previous work experience was as a waitress! There may be some transferrable skills there, but nothing to do with banking!
What’s the best thing about your role at Lloyds Banking Group?
Each day I’m learning something new and moving around to experience new areas and do different things. It’s a bit like being on a conveyor belt, and I love it. I’m currently working on new business applications – helping private clients with £250,000 or above open accounts or move their money around. I’m supporting the Relationship Managers with their financial reviews – making sure they have all the information they need, and the client’s information on the system is accurate and up to date. It’s all ‘back office’ support at this stage of my programme, but by the end of the three years I’ll be dealing with clients on a face to face basis and will have achieved my Chartered Banker qualification too.
And, crucially, what do your parents thing about the career decisions you’ve made so far?
Initially, mum was open minded about what I would do after college, but dad was quite concerned about me not going to university. Now that they can see how I’m getting on, they are both really pleased. I know I made the right decision and would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone in a similar situation to me. You have everything to gain, and absolutely nothing to lose.
Discover more about our apprentice opportunities:
http://www.lloydsbankinggrouptalent.com/apprentices/
http://www.lloydsbankinggrouptalent.com/apprentices/
