Internal Audit Apprentice Review

So it to my knowledge that I should spend around 20% of my time studying towards the internal audit certificates. The other 80% consists of me partaking in day to day audit activities- I am a part of an audit team that specialises in applications and I sometimes lead my own audit work sometimes shadow my team.

Yes, I feel that the most important things that I have learnt here comes from a daily work environment. This includes skills such as time management where I get to manage my own work load and schedule things my way. Another important skills is communication especially with new relations such as with my line manager.

I have been really enjoying my time so far. It has been a good experience, being able to connect with many people my age who are sharing the same experience. What also really helps is that all of my colleagues are very welcoming and understanding- they understand I need to spend time studying and am not a full resource.

I am not a part of the first cohort that have partaken in this programme. I feel that a lot of the issues that may have persisted in previous years have already been resolved/accounted for. I think that I have no complaints when it comes to the structure of the programme.

Lloyds Banking Group have been very supportive over the time that I have been. During the first few months of on boarding, I was welcomed by people from many different teams. They made the process of starting work easy and relaxed- I knew that if I had any questions there is always someone who is willing to help me.

Kaplan provided me with a very clear structure, as well a talent coach who is very willing to help. She makes sure that my progression towards to the qualifications is going well and on target. I am always able to get a clear answer as to what I need to do in order to complete my qualifications on time.

There has been several workshops conducted as a part of my qualification. These included several skills developed that I feel are quite key in my role. For example, my interpersonal skills was improved which is an essential skill in internal audit as we are always engaging with stakeholders and need to collaborate with others.

There are many extra-curricular opportunities that exist within Lloyds Banking Group. I am a part of the sustainability network- I get to meet and interact with a lot of people from this. As an apprentice I also get to do a lot of social events with other people my age.

Yes

I think that Lloyds Banking Group has a really friendly atmosphere, this is the biggest plus side. Secondly, I feel that my programme is quite developed so there always support should I require them. Another plus side is that we are paid very competitive salaries here. Overall Lloyds is a great place to have my career started.

I would strongly encourage people to apply here, if anything Lloyds' application process is a model that reflects processes across sectors. I found the overall process quite enjoyable actually, it is very good practice for the future and you also get a detailed feedback about how you were perceived. All of this will help you with future applications or secure a very good position.