Project Manager Review

During my time as an apprentice at Lloyds Banking Group, I worked on a new retail lending programme as a project manager. I was working under the senior project manger and alongside the PMO team to ensure the programme was running correctly, compliantly, on time and to budget.

I was new to project management so learnt via on the job tasks as well as the theory side of it. Stakeholder communication and management was one of the most valuable skills I learnt as well as proper compliance and governance management.

I really enjoyed my programme, learning with a cohort and being fully supported by Lloyds to achieve this. I was named LBG's Apprentice of the year upon my completion of the scheme. I am now an ambassador, promoting apprenticeships internally and externally.

It was very organised. The onboarding was overally seamless and there was a dedicated team at LBG to support. The coaches at Kaplan could be difficult to get hold of and mine was changed a month before my assessment which was concerning but the LBG side was great.

I recieved full support from my employer. I was able to structure my 20% learning time how I wanted to take it and given the freedom to do it over a full day or test doing parts over multiple days. Any query/concern I had was dealt with efficiently.

Kaplan provided us a learner coach and I'd have a monthly check in with them. I found that emails needed chasing and it was difficult at times to contact Kaplan. My coach was replaced the month before my assessment which was a concern at the time.

I have used the skills gained from the qualification in my role as an apprentice and roles I have held since completing my scheme. I still utilise the skills/learnings in my day to day working and even personal life.

There are many networks within LBG to join that hold events. Notably, there is an apprenticeship ambassador scheme where we meet and promote apprenticeships internally and externally. There are many learning and non role related events that LBG hold and help to make it an inclusive and fun workplace

Yes

With an apprenticeship lense, the scheme has been the best career choice I have made. It allowed me to assume a new role while learning a new job skillset and gain a qualification. I have gone from strength to strength here and it stared with the scheme.

Be yourself. Don't worry about presenting a certain image, you'll fare far better being your authentice self and showing the Bank what you can bring on an individual level. Demonstrate a continuous passion for learning and self development.