Sponsored content
Beth Edwards and Oliver Leslie tell Emily Moore about the qualifications and skills they have gained during their first year on the Lloyds International Apprenticeship Scheme and why they would encourage people to apply for next year’s programme
Having just completed their first year on the Lloyds International Apprenticeship Scheme in Jersey, Beth Edwards and Oliver Leslie agree that the initiative has given them an invaluable opportunity to kickstart their careers in finance.
Not only are they gaining hands-on experience in a professional working environment, but they are also working towards a recognised qualification, all while earning a salary.
For Beth and Oliver, the apprenticeship offers a practical alternative to university, allowing them to build their careers without taking on student debt.
“The accelerated programme gives us the chance to work in so many different departments and get involved with a huge range of projects and tasks,” explained Beth, who joined the scheme after moving to the Island with her fiancé. “At the end of the two-and-a-half-year apprenticeship, we will have done more things than most people will in five years, and that’s why I think of the programme as an incredible opportunity, as it enables you to ‘try before you buy’, discover what you’re good at and find out which area of the business you particularly enjoy.”
It is a sentiment with which Oliver, who joined the scheme after completing the International Baccalaureate at Hautlieu, agrees.
“The baccalaureate exposed me to a range of topics, which helped me to narrow down my career options,” he said. “Although I was not quite sure what I wanted to do when I left school, I was sure that finance would be a good fit for me. I was looking at a range of UK apprenticeships and degrees when, by chance, I met the Lloyds International team at a career fair.”
He was captivated by the opportunity to stay in Jersey while earning and obtaining a professional qualification. The pair have already obtained their Professional Bankers’ Certificates and are working towards achieving Chartered Banking status.
“During the application process, we learnt about Lloyds’ outlook and the way it focuses on sustainability and finance as a force of good,” he said. “It was a view which echoed my values, and I was excited about joining such a forward-thinking business. Lloyds are on a journey, and it is great to be a part of that and to contribute towards everything from strategy and product development to building client relationships.”
“Banking is evolving so quickly,” agreed Beth, “and we are constantly looking at those developments and thinking about what banking will be like in the future. Excitingly, Lloyds has brought us in as the next generation of talent. Everyone wants to hear our ideas and people are asking us how we might be able to enhance processes to improve the service for customers.”
Indeed, one of Beth’s favourite experiences of the apprenticeship scheme so far has been working on a digital campaign to help customers transition to online banking.
“We were based in the branches, showing customers how to download the Lloyds International app and then setting them up, so that they could view their accounts, see their statements and carry out transactions,” she said. “It was such a rewarding thing to do because it made such a difference to people.”
While Oliver may have entered the scheme through the “conventional” route, joining immediately after leaving school, Beth’s entry to the programme was a little more “unorthodox”.
“My fiancé and I moved to Jersey four years ago after falling in love with the Island when his mum moved here,” she reflected. “I had been working in fashion retail but was keen to move into an area where there were clear career progression opportunities.
“When I saw the Lloyds International Apprenticeship Scheme, I didn’t think I would be accepted on the programme because I wasn’t a school-leaver but I decided to go for it anyway, and I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to join a scheme which enables me to stay in Jersey while getting an amazing qualification and being part of such an exciting industry.”
Acknowledging the demands that come with working and studying at the same time, Oliver and Beth agree that the structure of the programme and the supportive nature of the team alleviate much of the pressure.
“Lloyds gives us a study day every week, which is invaluable as it enables you to focus on your coursework,” said Oliver. “It is amazing how much you can complete in seven hours. We have also found that all our colleagues are incredibly supportive and because experts surround you, you can pick people’s brains whenever you have a question.”
And time management, Oliver adds, is one of the skills which he has learnt during his time on the programme.
“You learn to manage your time and to prioritise your work based on the business needs at the time,” he said. “Those are skills that you can take with you wherever you go. I have also gained a lot of industry knowledge and understanding of how banks function, and it has been great to strengthen my customer service and relationship-building skills at the same time.”
And Oliver is not the only who has developed new skills during the course.
“I’ve gained so much confidence since joining the Lloyds Bank Apprenticeship Scheme,” said Beth. “We are encouraged to lead meetings and are empowered to make decisions, which has really enhanced my communication skills and ability to collaborate with different stakeholders.
“The scheme has also opened my eyes to the variety of careers available within banking. I had a very narrow view of the industry before, but I love the people side, and the fact that there are so many projects and marketing initiatives which enable you to be creative. I did not think I would get that in banking.”
And it is with that in mind that both Beth and Oliver say they would encourage anyone to apply to the scheme.
“If you’re not sure whether banking is for you, I would say open your mind to it and apply anyway,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to earn, learn and gain professional qualifications in a very supportive environment, while also helping to contribute towards the business’ future.”
“We’ve grown as individuals,” agreed Oliver. “I would encourage anyone to apply, as it’s a brilliant scheme which gives opportunities to young people while enabling the business to benefit from our ideas and energy.”
- Applications for the Lloyds International Apprenticeship Scheme are now open and close on 6 December. To apply, or for more information, visit lloydsbankinggroup.com/careers