Infrastructure Technician Apprentice Review

My day to day role involves maintenance and support of the mortgage system at Lloyds Banking Group. No two days are the same, and there is always a new challenge to look forward to, with interactions taking place across the bank. This as well as apprentice related work under my training provider.

I feel like I have both developed my existing skills and learned new skills. Being my first job, a lot of the skills I have developed revolve around working life, my attitudes and behaviours, and the ability to perform to my best. Technically, I am slowly working towards becoming a better support technician.

I definitely enjoy working for Lloyds Banking Group, and couldn't pick a place that I would rather be. I have a great team, there is a culture that fosters growth and development and I my line manager is great. On the other hand, I do think my apprenticeship training provider (external to Lloyds) could be better.

My induction process was seamless and very quick to onboard. Training in my working environment is given at every turn due to an experienced and supportive team. Training provided by our Apprenticeship Training Provider leaves some to be desired. There is lots of freedom given for study time, and requests for support are always met in role. On the Lloyds side, organisation and structure are exceptional. Again, this changes when compared to my training provider.

My line manager is incredibly supportive and always finds a great balance between my personal needs and the requirements of my role. My learning mentor is open to all questions, and often says that 'there's no such thing as a stupid question'. Guidance and support are given liberally, and I do not often feel that I am unsupported. If I do, all it takes is calling it out and it is quickly rectified.

I am given lots of time to work on projects and exam revision. As much time as I feel I require, within reason. My qualification is made a high priority, and making sure that I gain as much support as possible is foremost. I cannot ask for more than I receive.

Not very well. The apprenticeship provided by the training provider gears me to work more towards a Windows/Linux Server environment. This is not one that I operate within being in a mainframe team. Generally speaking, the majority of what I learn in my apprenticeship is not extremely useful in role. They are all, however, important for career building.

Professional networking events are reasonably often; whether this be between different areas of the bank or within my own area. Team building events in my own team take place every few months and allows for us all to unwind and spend time with each-other in a less formal setting. I greatly value these.

Yes

Great pay package, amazing career prospects, forward thinking, wonderful management (personally) and an incredibly supportive team. The working culture is incredibly warm, and I do not feel like I am being isolated or excluded. I feel like I can have an open conversation with my line manager, or even my Head of Function - who takes the time out to grab a moment with all of his apprentices on a regular basis.

Do your research into the role being advertised. Try and think outside of the box in interviews, do your best to advertise your strengths and attitudes. On the assessment days, don't let your nerves get the best of you. The more relaxed you are, the better you will do.