Business Development Manager Review

When I began the Apprenticeship Programme I was a Team Manager managing a team of 14 people. My day to day role including coaching and training the team to provide excellent customer whilst servicing inbound customer calls. I also managed all elements of HR policies including attendance, behaviour and performance.

I have developed my existing skills as a line manager, including managing HR policies and performance management. I have also developed my communication skills including facilitating training to an audience which is something I found challenging before taking part in my Apprenticeship. I have built relationships with stakeholders which has also supported my career journey.

I enjoy having monthly meeting with my assessor because its an opportunity to receive one to one support. I also enjoy the 3 monthly learner sessions with the rest of my cohort as this is an opportunity to be able to network with other apprentices and give each other support.

My programme has been extremely well organised. My assessor and I maintain regular contact and book our follow up meetings in advance. I am given plenty of notice before receiving invitations to group learning sessions, so that I can arrange with my new line manager to be out of role for a set period.

I receive regular support from my employer. When I started my new job within the Group I sat down with my new line manager to explain how the commitments to the course will effect my new role. I have been able to organise my workload to support my completion of the qualification.

When working towards my qualification I have received the level of support required, as I have been able to self manage my qualification I haven't required an increased amount of support, however during my monthly assessor meeting my assessor has been supportive and helped me with anything I have found challenging.

In my previous roe my qualification would have certainly helped me to perform better as a line manager. In my new role, I no longer have any line management responsibilities however I am still managing relationships and my own performance. I am hoping in the future that my career path will lead me into another managerial role in which I will utilise the skills I have learnt again.

Since joining the Apprenticeship network I have been involved in many events, including supporting the nomination of a number of awards, and have put myself forward for internal recognition events for being involved with supporting new colleagues on to the Apprenticeship scheme within my area of the business. I am regularly involved in networking events for Apprentices.

Yes

Because since joining the group I have benefitted from many things including the apprenticeship, and the colleague package including private medical benefit, and staff mortgage rates. I also feel as an employed Lloyds Banking Group is inclusive and I support the group's ethics for treating customers and colleagues fairly.

I would advise that if you put in the hard work, especially if applying for an apprenticeship you like be recognised for your commitment, and benefit from a strengthened career journey. If you are willing to put your in own time and commit to your development you will naturally progress and become successful.