Lloyds Bank has launched a new T-Levels programme in Bristol to boost digital skills and increase opportunities in banking in the South West.
The banking group's support for the qualification, which is the equivalent of three A-Levels, is part of its apprenticeship programme, which currently has more than 1,300 apprentices in roles from data and business analytics to software engineering and cyber security.
Nine students from Weston College and Strode College will start workplace placements on Lloyd's T-Level programme. 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.
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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 first time that Lloyds has offered the programme to South West students.
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.”
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