Software Engineer Apprentice Review
at Lloyds Banking Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Edinburgh
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
3.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
2.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
In my day-to-day role I attend a number of meetings such as stand ups, demos, and prioritisation. I also work towards building my portfolio with the supervision of my mentor. I use at least 20% of my week on prescribed learning and practical training (online tutorials/personal projects).
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy the programme. I am enrolled on the Level 4 Software Developer Apprenticeship and I intend to progress to the Level 6.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have gained an understanding of the SDLC, methodologies i.e. Agile, Waterfall etc, databases and programming in Java. I have also worked on my presentation skills by presenting to my team.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The prescribed learning is thorough and there are 4 residentials at 3 days each to consolidate the topics. A lot of emphasis, however, is on learning in the workplace so communicating what you need to your in-work mentor is sort of left to you.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
I am given ample time to learn at my own pace. More opportunities to shadow Engineers or other roles invovled in the SDLC would be beneficial but there doesn't seem to be much scope for this.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
The residentials have the potential to be really useful but often they cover the basics of the prescribed learning. There are opportunities to sit professional exams but for the Java exam it's just a given that pretty much no one is in a position to sit it! Poor.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I came into the role with no sofware development experience and I am now in a position to help the team with supervision with the view to being self sufficient this year.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Lloyds Banking Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The benefits are second to none - 15% pension contribution, yearly pay rises, yearly bonus, flexible benefit pot, private medical insurance and staff mortgage rates. The future skills team are also very supportive of your development and you can go as far as you'd like as an Apprentice.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Lloyds Banking Group?
Find out about the Group values as these are really important to Lloyds. Relax and be yourself at the assessment day - I don't think there are wrong answers.
