Apprentice Review

I am currently undertaking three placements within the London Market; broking, underwriting and Lloyd's. At my brokers I was an account handler and a placing broker, in which my roles included creating slips, endorsements, dealing with client renewals and broking to underwriters. At the moment I am based in Lloyd's in the Market Intelligence team. I am responsible for maintaining and updating the products, liasing with country managers and supporting international market agenda through project work and events.

Throughout my time so far I have developed multiple skills. On the apprenticeship we have both soft skills training, for example presentation and persuasion skills and technical training. As part of the scheme, we have to work towards our Cert CII and study for our Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship in Providing Financial Services.

I am thoroughly enjoying the programme for various reasons - I feel challenged within my role, I am rarely bored and everyone gets on great together. It is a very sociable industry with things always going on and the apprentices and people within the industry make work alot more enjoyable.

I feel extremely valued by Lloyd's. They take our advice on board and are always there to help if we need it. Lloyd's invests alot of time and money into the apprenticeship and want to see us develop both in a business and personal sense.

The programme is well structured. We start off with a months induction to Lloyd's in which we learn about the industry, develop both soft and technical skills and job shadow. The placements are split into either 6 months at a brokers, 6 months at an underwriters and 6 months at Lloyds, or 6 months at a brokers and 12 at an underwriters. We meet monthly with a Bromley mentor to help us gain our qualification as well.

There is alot of support from our training provider. We have monthly meetings with our Bromley College mentor in which she explains any queries we may have about the exam or coursework. She is very approachable and is always there to help with any problems that we may have.

Lloyd's provides sufficient support, they are there when you need them but allow us space in order to develop. They are friendly and approachable, and provide solutions if any problems do arise.

The salary is significant in comparison to other apprenticeships; however, travel does take a fair amount out of the wages. The salary covers social costs etc and the discount card for the canteen is very useful.

There are many opportunities and things to take part in outside of work. The market has created numerous groups to join such as the under 35's in which they run lectures, training and parties. There are many bars and restaurants surrounding the area and people are likely to go out on Thursdays.

Yes

Lloyd's is a fun and diverse place to work and there are multiple opportunities that arise from being on the scheme. The people in the industry are more than happy to offer their support and help when possbile and you make great friends with both the apprentices and colleagues at work.

Research Lloyd's and how the market works and most importantly be yourself. The assessment centre can be quite challening but ensure that you are approachable and well presented and you will do well.