I had already been accepted into university towards the end of sixth form, but I have always wanted to get real work experience alongside higher education. I did some research and discovered degree apprenticeships. I applied for the Lloyd’s business degree apprenticeship scheme not really expecting a reply, but in the summer of 2021, I got the offer call and rejected my university offers.
Aside from getting a fully funded degree, the amount of real-world experience and exposure to the London insurance market is simply unmatched to any other company. Lloyd’s is the world's leading insurance and reinsurance marketplace, which seemed like the perfect place to start my career.
I have been at Lloyd’s for 1 year now and have completed placements in Business Change (Finance portfolio) and Global IT APMEA. In a couple of weeks, I will be starting a new placement in the media and PR team which I am looking forward to. I have thoroughly enjoyed both placements and feel like I am starting to get an idea of what I want to do after the programme due to the rotational aspect of the apprenticeship.
I would recommend the early careers programme as an alternative to traditional university. If you want to kickstart your career in business or insurance, the various early careers schemes on offer at Lloyd’s are one of the only ways to get a foot in the door early.
I would like to get into a role that works with the Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa regions. I love working with people from different countries and find the APMEA market incredibly interesting. Having grown up in the Middle East and Asia, I am used to the local cultures and understand how the regions work. Saying that though, anything can change in the next 2 years and I’m super keen on getting stuck into more roles across the Corporation!
The amount of knowledge you can access and the connections you can make both in the market and corporation is an invaluable opportunity.
Lloyd’s is changing and needs curious minds to define what that change will look like.
Whatever department you join, you'll be learning alongside people who are always thinking about the future consequences of daily decisions. And as part of the Corporation, you’ll ensure these decisions turn out for the best.
We're looking for people with new perspectives and the confidence to share them.
Find out more about our Early Careers programmes.
Charles Petek - Business Apprentice Trainee, Lloyd's
22 Aug 2022
Early Careers