Junior Software Engineer Review
at Lloyds Banking Group
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Front-end Development, Software Engineering
Birmingham
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
4.9 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.8/5
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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:
5/5
During my apprenticeship, my role was similar to a front end dev in which I worked closely with the solution architects and the buinsess to develop prototype frontends for the products that our colleagues and customers used.
Since finishing my apprenticeship, I moved to a new team where I'm working in as a technical specialist, supporting the engineers with blockers and configurations of a new application we'll be using to deliver higher quality services.
Since finishing my apprenticeship, I moved to a new team where I'm working in as a technical specialist, supporting the engineers with blockers and configurations of a new application we'll be using to deliver higher quality services.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I had a lot of support and it was a very flexible role. So long as I did what was expected of me and was continously learning and growing, I had extra time to also partake in volunteer opportunities and network within and outside the company. Doing things that I'm passionate about. The training providers were very thorough in their teaching of the basics I would need to do my role and being able to shadow DevOps, engineers, business analysts. Product Owners and more, gave me a greater appreciation for my role as an engineer. I was given tasks I could handle and the bank has many learning resources if I was ever confused about anything, as well as my supportive colleagues.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Hard skills: Coding in Java, JavaScript with React, a bit of C#; Git, Git Bash, IDE.
Also following the entire software development life cycle, working in an Agile ways to deliver products, clean coding, documenting everything and other important engineering practices like governance and coding safely with AI.
Soft skills: Organisation, resilience, adaptability, communication, problem solving, resourceful, prioritisation, and time management
Also following the entire software development life cycle, working in an Agile ways to deliver products, clean coding, documenting everything and other important engineering practices like governance and coding safely with AI.
Soft skills: Organisation, resilience, adaptability, communication, problem solving, resourceful, prioritisation, and time management
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Very well structured. The training providers Firebrand prepared a calendar of events so we were aware of what would take place each month. I was given a suggestion of how I could make the most of my shadowing period and I independently contacted who I needed to to set up those shadowing experiences and actively got involved in as much as I could. Personally for me, I didnt mind this approach as it built my resilience and it was a great way for me to drive my own learning. But I can understand that for others, they may prefer a more structured learning approach.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Personally, I feel as though i had a lot of support especially during my EPA project. I was immediately given a product to revamp and I recieved regular check-ins to make sure it was going well. And the moment I was coming closer to the end of my apprenticeship, my Line Manager already had a new team suggestion ready for me to grow even further in a different service area that the bank provides and they recommened me for the L6.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
From beginning to the end, my training provider was incredible. They were organised, and my learning mentor was the best. I felt safe enough to express any worries about hitting certain KSBs and they gave me lots of alternatives and examples to make sure I was able to reach gateway in time.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel like my qualification would have been really helpful if I continued my old role as a front end dev, however in the new role that I am in, I'm still using version control tools like Git and GitHub and a bit of Python as well as Jira for ticket management and Confluence for documentation. So, it definitely prepared me in the ways necessary because since joining my new team, I've basically hit thr ground running from day one.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are lots and lots and lots to get involved with. From charity drives and fundraising events to cultural celebrations, social networks to organised walks and the occasional Zumba classes. We also have a free gym that is open 24/7. In all the hubs covered by the next generation talent network ASPIRE, they organised sports clubs like running, football, tennis and more.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Lloyds Banking Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Its an incredible place to work. There are so many field you can work in within the bank, from customer facing, commercial, risk, finance, technology, data, marketting, social media, workplace development, talent recruitment, communications, corporate affairs, legal, investment, agricultural, housing and so much more. Also the people make the working environment, and the people at Lloyds are bold and caring.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Lloyds Banking Group?
Know what it is you want and what you would like to contribute to LBG. Have a growth mindset. Be always willing to learn, adapt and take on new challenges. Lastly, be authentically yourself. Showcase your values and what makes you, you. If they interviews can see that you're enthusiastic about the role you applied for and you understand what it is that is being asked of you in the role, then you stand a better chance. Even if you think your previous roles don't correlate, there will be some overlaps here or there.
