Do you have any questions about apprenticeships? Ask Lloyd’s Banking Group expert Kathryn Marshall for advice - £200 Amazon voucher to be won.

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Created for Lloyds Banking Group

This Q&A is now closed for questions. See Kathryn's answers here.

Deciding on your next career step can be stressful! Are you or a family member debating going to university or doing an apprenticeship? Are you or someone you know thinking about returning to the workforce or fancy a change in career? Kathryn Marshall, Senior manager of apprenticeships at Lloyds Banking Group is here to help make your decision easier by answering all of your questions.

• Anyone that shares a question below by the 5th of September will be eligible for the prize draw.
• One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 Amazon voucher.
• Kathryn will be back online in a couple of weeks to answer a selection of your questions.

About Kathryn Marshall: Kathryn Marshall leads on apprenticeship delivery for Lloyds Banking Group. There are typically 1500 apprentices on programme at any time across 30 different occupations ranging from financial services to cyber security. In addition, Kathryn is co-vice chair for the Apprenticeship Ambassador Network and chairs the financial services apprenticeship trailblazer. The Apprenticeship Ambassador Network is a group of employers and apprentices who are passionate about promoting the benefits of apprenticeships.

Here's what Lloyds has to say:
'We are passionate about apprenticeships at Lloyds Banking Group because we can see the real difference they make to individuals in developing key skills and the confidence to have a successful career. More and more young people are weighing up the financial impact of going to university against the potential to earn a salary straight away and continue their learning and development in a way that may suit them better. Those who join on an apprenticeship get the opportunity to earn whilst they learn, to gain valuable experience and skills and to build up an important network to help them with their careers.

It is really important that all young people understand the options that are available to them and consider what is right for them which is why we are really keen to help increase understanding of apprenticeships.'

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

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What different kinds of apprenticeships do Lloyds offer and is there a link to view them all in one place? Do you offer degree apprenticeships and how competitive are they? What's the ratio of applicants to apprenticeships roughly on the different types of apprenticeships available? Thank you!

What are the salary prospects post apprenticeship? Likely different across vocations I realise. Really important, especially in such lean times.

I wish that there were apprenticeships for older people. The over 50s. Why aren't there any? Or are there any I don't know about?

What departments/team/functions do your program offer? Is it a full-time program or students can participant during summer holiday?

Are you guaranteed a job at the end of a graduate apprenticeship? If you decide you want to change jobs do you have to pay back the training fee or are you tied in? Can you change department within the organisation, many degrees let you change subjects as you move into 2/3/4th year, is an apprenticeship flexible at all?

What kind of qualifications can be gained from an apprenticeship? Are they equivalent to a degree? and is it paid for by the company? Thank you

What do you look for to ensure it is a genuine apprenticeship and not just an unscrupulous employer looking to avoid paying minimum wage?

Can you do an apprenticeship after finishing a degree?

Do employers offer any financial assistance to help with costs of travelling between study and work placements, or accommodation if it is required?

If there's multiple applicants for one apprenticeship, is it true that the the one who lives closest will most likely be chosen? Is location or distance a major factor when applicants are chosen?

Do you have any advice for passing the online assessment / test stage? Many thanks.

Is there a guaranteed job at the end of it?

Is it recognised by employers nationwide if not?

What is the selection process? Do they get conditional offers like UCAS application? Is it advisable to disclose SEN at application/interview? How can we identify a quality/experienced provider of apprenticeships.

You mentioned young people but is this open to those returning to work after a career break to have a family? I have more than 20years in banking experience but would like to be able to work part time from home, is banking still rigid with hours and office attendance/long hours?

My company does trade apprenticeships as well as other roles open to all ages.

What is the rate of retention of those who have completed their apprenticeship. Do you have a tie in of expected time in post after completion

How can we convince younger people that apprenticeships are not just for those who struggle academically but also for those who have achieved great results but want a different path from just university? They are traditionally associated with those not clever enough for uni and I think that has changed!

My 16 year old son takes his A levels next year and is currently looking to do an apprenticeship (also toying with a year out first). He's doing A-level Maths and has considered banking - but doesn't know enough about what this entails. It would be good to know what the apprenticeship covers (ie all areas). How would apprentices be chosen and what merits would the perfect candidates be looking to have? I'm guessing it's not on education alone?

would an apprenticeship be achievable during school hours ?

What are the advantages of an apprenticeship over other methods? Are there incentives for businesses to take on apprentices?

If you're looking for someone for an apprenticeship. Do you automatically want a younger out of school type person or do you consider Mature Apprenticeships to be just as important?

What happens if things don't work out and the young person decides to leave, won't this affect their chances of getting an apprenticeship/employment elsewhere?

Will apprenticeships ever be valued as much as university degrees at very senior levels. How many members of the Lloyds Banking Group didn't go to university?

Is there an age limit to become an apprentice? Could I , for example, become one in my late 30’s?

Are the apprenticeships available nationwide, including smaller cities and towns? I know when I applied to graduate schemes they were primarily based in the same 3- 4 large cities, so they exclude many people living outside these areas. Unfortunately, many people are unable to relocate due to family arrangements, low income, care responsibilities, limited transport etc. It make these opportunities feels like a bit of a postcode lottery.