My background

I’ve worked for Lloyds Banking Group for nearly 13 years. I currently work in the Event Recovery Team. My current role is very varied, it includes working on different aspects of event recovery as well as analysis into what can be improved going forward.

I joined Lloyds Banking Group through the Halifax branch network at the age of 17 as a Customer Advisor. I worked in branch for five years before moving into a testing position in head office. I helped deliver some interesting projects which included the introduction of Wi-Fi and tablets into retail branches.

I have always wanted to study further and looked into undertaking a degree on numerous occasions but I always felt that due to the lack of grades (A-levels etc) alongside the financial aspect this would not be possible for me.

Choosing a degree apprenticeship

I saw the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship advertised internally and immediately registered. It sounded too good to be true, but I was also hesitant that I wouldn’t be accepted due to my past experience. I attended the introduction call and was over the moon when they said no qualifications were needed apart from grades A-C in English and maths and that if you didn’t have this they would provide support to get these qualifications in place. For me it was a no-brainer, an opportunity like this would not come around every day.

I am now in my 3^rd year at Manchester Met and the journey so far has been life changing for me. I have learnt multiple new skills (coding, report writing and many more) that I wouldn’t have gained without this apprenticeship. 

Both Lloyds Banking Group and Manchster Met have been fantastic in supporting my learning journey. Lloyds Banking Group provides me with great flexibility, allowing me to take time out every week to attend the university. Manchester Met are always providing me with new opportunities and learning and the support of my Skills Coach and Line Manager has been vital throughout the years. They ensure I am on track and always on hand if I needed anything.

My proudest moment

The proudest moment for me has been winning the highly commended judges choice award at the Asian Apprenticeship Awards and the highly commended award at regional level at the National Apprenticeship Awards.

Opening doors

As part of my third year work-based project I am delivering an application that will be used to form and assist Sprint Retrospectives. The application is built using java coding. Without this apprenticeship this wouldn’t have been possible.

The degree apprenticeship has already opened many doors for me and provided me with great opportunities. Once I complete the programme I would like to be in a role that will allow me to further enhance and add to the skills and knowledge I have learnt at Manchester Met.

Recommending degree apprenticeships

I would say go for it! It is an absolutely amazing life-changing opportunity. Don’t let mindset or self-doubt make you think you can’t do it or won’t get accepted. Age, experience, or past education doesn’t matter. If you are willing to put the time and effort in, it will be very fruitful.

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