• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Tuesday June 20 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Lloyds Banking Group launches T-Levels programme in South West

Lloyds Banking Group has launched a new T-Levels programme in Bristol as it looks to boost digital skills and increase opportunities in banking in the South West.

The Group’s support for the T-Level qualification is part of its industry-leading apprenticeship programme, with more than 1,300 apprentices, in roles ranging from data and business analytics to software engineering and cyber security.

Nine students from Weston College and Strode College are beginning workplace placements on the Group’s T-Level programme this week.

Students will gain nine weeks of industry experience on a placement, paid for by Lloyds Banking Group, working at the business’s hub in Bristol.

The 16–19-year-olds have been allocated places aligned to the Digital T-Level courses they’re taking within key disciplines for the banking sector: software engineering, cyber security, data analytics, and finance and project management.

During their nine-week placements, students will work with experienced Lloyds Banking Group mentors to make a significant contribution to their allocated business areas, working on projects such as building a chat bot and web design, as well as getting involved with planning team events and activities.

This is the second year of the Group’s T-Level programme, and its first in the region, which has been designed to offer another route into banking for school-leavers and meet increasing demand for digital skills within the sector.

Six students participated in the pilot scheme last year, with all since applying for apprenticeship roles and being fast-tracked to the final assessment stage.

This year, a total of 70 students across the UK will complete the nine-week placement in two four-week blocks, from June 19 – July 14, and September 4 – 29, following an orientation week (April 24 – 28) to meet their teams and familiarise themselves with the working environment.

Robert Halfon, minister for skills, apprenticeships and higher education, said: “T-Levels are a great way for students to climb the ladder of opportunity towards a successful career, with a balance of classroom and on-the-job learning enabling young people to acquire the skills and experience needed to make a thriving contribution across many industries.

“I applaud Lloyds Banking Group for its impressive commitment to T-Levels and having prominent employers embrace vocational qualifications is essential to achieving parity of esteem with traditional degrees. I urge other employers to emulate its ambitious strategy in nurturing talent for the future workplace.”

Jeremy Hayward, Lloyds Banking group ambassador for the South West, said: “We’re committed to harnessing the talent of young people within our business, so we’re pleased to be welcoming T-Level students into our team here in Bristol for the first time.

“Demand for T-Level qualifications is growing, and for good reason. More and more young people recognise they can pursue a skilled and exciting career with a balance of classroom and on-the-job learning, which empowers them to work sooner than other routes of education.

“As a member of Bristol’s One City Economy and Skills Board I’ve always supported a range of diverse pathways to provide opportunities for young people.

“We know that the next generation is talented and eager to put their passion to use, and we’re committed to unlocking the potential of these fantastic students as part of our industry-leading apprenticeship scheme.”

There are three T-Levels in Digital available: Digital Production, Design and Development; Digital Support Services; and Digital Business Services.

Around 1,750 students started studying a T Level in Digital this academic year, up from around 400 in its inaugural year and 1,200 in 2021/22.

Commenting on the Group’s wider apprenticeships programme, Jeremy added: “Our apprenticeship programme champions young people in the workplace, but also aims to highlight how varied and exciting a career and banking can be.

“Apprenticeship schemes offer a qualification and a kickstart to a career, and they demonstrate how important digital skills are in all sectors, especially finance.”