YOU MIGHT not think a film studies graduate would be suited to a new career in software engineering. But Sophie Deverell, 32, found herself entering a world of coding, app development and technology, thanks to her apprenticeship at Lloyds Banking Group.
“After my degree, I joined Lloyds’ Retail Graduate Scheme,” says Sophie, who lives with her husband Brian, 30, in Folkestone, Kent. “The business really spoke to me because it’s big on sustainability and women in leadership roles, which are really important to me.”
After working in a few roles within the business, Sophie landed in the Chief Technology Office Skills and Community Team, and started coding. “People don’t always realise there’s a big creativity element to coding,” she explains. “You have to problem solve.
“It’s a bit like learning a new language. I enjoyed it, which surprised me as I’d never been confident at maths!”
After four years, Sophie began looking into Lloyds’ apprenticeships schemes. “I realised it was a great way of learning on the job and future-proofing my skills, so I applied
for a placement in DevOps [software development and IT operations],” she says.
Film graduate Sophie found a surprise passion in coding when she switched careers through a government-funded apprenticeship
SHARE
Shored up ... Sophie is ready to ride the wave
in a new profession
get
with the program
SPONSORED
If you’re looking to advance in your career or try something new, you can build on your existing strengths with a free qualification that can help you on the path to a better job in sectors such as accounting, health and social care, and digital.
Free Courses for Jobs
As well as apprenticeships, the Skills for Life programme offers a huge range of courses and qualifications suitable for adult learners
Want to know more? Visit the Skills for Life website at skillsforlife.campaign.gov.uk, or call the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900
‘It was a great way to future-proof my skills’
Sophie began her role as a platform engineer, helping to develop and deploy apps and other technology, in summer 2021 – and her enthusiasm even inspired her husband to explore skills and retraining.
“Brian had always been interested in technology,” says Sophie. “When he saw the path my apprenticeship had put me on, he wanted a piece of the action, so he applied and is now doing an apprenticeship in software engineering.”
Since completing her apprenticeship in November, Sophie is considering her next steps. “I could study for more certifications or a degree-level apprenticeship – but whatever I do next, I want to stay at Lloyds and in DevOps,” she says.
“I love learning, and no two days are the same. I always feel I’ve got more to push myself on.
“I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone. I never thought I’d end up where I am now – but I’m so glad I did.”
A world of opportunity
Paths to
success
Kathryn Marshall, senior manager, apprenticeships at Lloyds Banking Group
“The DevOps apprenticeship is a challenging one, particularly for those coming from a non-technical background, but through an apprenticeship you can get all the support and training to learn something completely new and have the confidence to succeed.
“We see people at all stages of their careers starting an apprenticeship with us. Whether it is straight
from school or as a career change later in life, apprenticeships provide the opportunity to start
out, to reskill in a completely new area and to progress further in your chosen career.
“Our award-winning apprenticeship programmes,
in over 30 occupational areas, really offer
something for everyone.”
Whether you want to progress in your current industry or start on a different path, an apprenticeship is your chance to learn and gain experience on the job while getting paid, in one of 15 different sectors.
Apprenticeships
These courses will help you gain the literacy, numeracy and digital skills you need that are recognised by employers. If you are aged 19 and over and do not have a GCSE in English or maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), you can study and take GCSEs or Functional Skills Qualifications for free.
Essential Skills
These free, flexible courses can help you gain skills employers are looking for in 16 weeks or less. You’ll then be fast-tracked to a job interview. Most adults aged 19 or over may apply.
SKILLS BOOTCAMPS
SHARE