Project Manangement Apprentice Review

I am on the Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management Scheme and my day-to-day role involves me working with Stakeholders to ensure the project I am leading is delivered in a ceratin time, of a certain quality and within a certain budget as defined by the business.

Yes, I have learnt many new skills such as how to deal with stakeholders of different senior levels, what my strengths and weaknesses are, what the project lifecycle is, how to manage risks etc.

I love the programme I am on and am extremely glad that I chose this as an alternative route to university. I am learning new skills everyday while in a job, and all that I learn in a classroom is applied on the job. I have attended many networking events and my network now has a variamce of stakeholders ranging from bands of my own calibre to those of senior stakeholders.

I feel like a valued colleague as there are many opportunities for me to develop and show my skills. Lloyds have such a vast number of opportunities and these are always advertised to us by our line manager and previous apprentices. Colleagues are very welcoming and friendly and can always answer questions, but if they do not know the answer, they always ensure they find it for you.

The programme is structured over 2 years, with the proffessional learning taking a lead and learn direct also providing some workshops related to us and our developments. There is "Evidence" which must be submitted monthly and a bar graph to record how fast you are progressing. Personally, I think 2 years is too long and that the scheme could be completed within 18 months.

PDS Solutions are always on hand when I need them. My assesor who marks my evidence has a call with me once monthly to ensure I am on track and also marks any work I submit within 5 days. The feedback I receive always helps me to better my next piece. I also have a "teacher" who teaches the theory behind the exams - this is done via webinar and 5 face to face workshops. Any past exam questions I complete can be sent to Lynn who will feedback about the good and bad of the content.

My line manager supports me through all my apprenticeship development - she has put me in touch with previous apprentices and also opened my network to "Heads Of" departments who I now have exposure to. This allows me to get help from Lloyds colleagues. My line manager also ensures that I am not struggling with anything and I have a weekly catch up with her, as well as a formal 1-2-1 every month to check my progress against company standards as well as my apprentice work.

We are paid the same as a standard Band C (Grading system at LBG) which is brilliant and has a great package.

During the apprenticeship, I gain an internationally recognised qualification which I could take anywhere. I also take part in many fundraising activities as we have a charity of the year.

Yes

Lloyds is a brilliant company to work for. The company is very welcoming and recognises colleagues who do more than just their job role. The values of the group are guidelines for individuals to follow, and the support for you as an individual is amazing.

Do your research, ensure you know what Lloyds is about and why we differ from other banks. Know the group values and have examples of how you could personally demonstrate them in your day to day job. Be honest on your application, but confident at the same time. Lloyds is brilliant!