Apprentice quality engineer — Joshua Bray

After successfully completing an internship with the Lloyds Banking Group (LBG), Joshua has now completed two degree-level apprenticeships at the company and works as a senior quality engineer

Why did you decide to do a degree apprenticeship?

During my school days I really enjoyed the practical aspects of subjects, particularly IT and computing. I much preferred 'doing' the do' rather than just learning the theory.

I managed to secure an internship as part of the Lloyds Banking Group's 'Career Ready' scheme, which took place over the summer holidays. This helped me to learn more about what an apprenticeship would look like and some of the qualifications and experiences you could get from doing it.

Both of these things really led me to thinking that I wanted a mixture of getting into the world of work but still getting the best qualifications that would set me up for a long career.

How did you find and apply for your apprenticeship with Lloyds Bank?

While on the internship I met with the apprenticeship team and they showed me the programme and suggested that I should apply. It wasn't the only apprenticeship I applied for, but it seemed the best fit.

How does the apprenticeship work?

I've completed two apprenticeships over the eight years I've worked for Lloyds.

I started on the degree apprenticeship in digital and technology solutions, which resulted in the BSc Digital & Technology Solutions awarded by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).

This involved attending lectures and labs at the university on day release, one day per week. You can learn the theory of a number of topics and complete the same or similar modules to a full-time student by doing it part time.

You also receive assignments and tasks to complete in your own time. These could be practical assignments like building websites or more traditional essays.

For the rest of the week you'd then be thrown into the world of work. Here, you're not treated as an apprentice, you're a permanent member of staff. You learn the ropes of the role the same as any other member of the team.

I've had a number of roles and range of responsibilities during my time at Lloyds. I even had the chance to receive additional training and gain further qualifications to help me in my role, including achieving the MSc Digital & Technology Solutions through a second apprenticeship.

Generally, the stuff you learn at university you'll get chance to apply it, with most of your assignments based around your university studies and topics.

What do you enjoy about your apprenticeship?

It's having that balance of theoretical learning and then the application of the knowledge. I feel like I learn far better by actually putting theory into practice rather than just learning the theory.

What's the most challenging part of your apprenticeship?

It's probably the time management needed to juggle the study, extra reading and assignments alongside a full-time job and all the extra work that entails. This is all while still trying to have some kind of social life. It's a balance, but I made it work.

What support have you received?

My team have been amazing in supporting me throughout my two apprenticeships. I couldn't have asked for more really. They gave me time when I needed to just sit down and crack on with assignments, helped me get work that would suit an assignment or simply just proofread essays to make sure they were the best they could be.

What are your plans after your apprenticeship?

I've now finished two apprenticeships, so I believe I deserve a bit of a break from the old learning gig. People make jokes asking if I'm going to do a PhD next, and while Dr Bray has a nice ring to it, I think I'm going to leave it there for now.

I have, however, started leading a small team of other quality engineers so I'm learning the ropes of leadership and how to manage people. So, who knows, maybe a leadership course might be in order?

What advice would you give to others considering a degree apprenticeship?

• Understand the commitment you're getting into - these apprenticeships are four to five years of work, which is a lot of time.
• Keep your team/manager onboard - they can only support you if they know how you're doing and what you're doing.
• Take advantage of support from the university - there's loads of extra support and sessions offered to you like any other student. They can really help with study skills, referencing and just things like mental health.

Find out more

• Explore the roles of a software engineer and tester.
• Discover more about IT apprenticeships.
• Consider a degree apprenticeship with the Lloyds Banking Group.