Why did you choose Lloyd’s?
I chose Lloyd’s because it’s a world-famous Corporation. The theory behind it being so unique was really interesting for me - what it is and how it works. I had some other options, including university offers and other companies but Lloyd’s interested me more than others. There's a wealth of opportunities for apprentices at Lloyd’s. While you’re on your apprenticeship, you work alongside and are treated the same as any employee would be - you’re given the same sort of responsibilities.
What’s the structure of the programme?
Apprenticeship programmes are 15 months, starting in September and ending in December the following year. Every three months you begin a new placement, starting from when you first start you rotate through different teams depending on which office you’re in. I’m from the Chatham office, so I did three months in a DCP team then I moved onto distribution, and then membership, and now I’m at Lockton on my external placement.
What are the learning opportunities like?
Lloyd’s offers so many learning and development opportunities for apprentices. There are courses across the whole Corporation that are open for you to participate in - you don't have to focus on apprentice-level training. It could be anything from personal skills right through to your financial skills and how you want to build your life. I’m glad I picked this instead of going to university or taking up an apprenticeship with another employer. The programme has provided me with my CII insurance qualification which will open up so many doors as I progress through my career.
Do you do anything else outside of work?
In my free time, I’m a part-time firefighter. I love helping people but I know the scope for progression is much greater within Lloyd’s. My perspective has changed from being a firefighter. In those scenarios, something can be lost in a matter of seconds, with no warning. We're dealing with unforeseen circumstances all the time and we see the result of accidents firsthand. What if someone's house caught alight and they lost everything? Although Lloyd’s doesn’t provide insurance for houses, the same could apply to an airline that unexpectedly loses an aeroplane. The insurance industry is there to help to reset people back to where they were. I'm proud to work somewhere like that.