For Ahmed Ali, the path into finance wasn’t a straight line. Like many students finishing sixth form, university seemed like the obvious next step. But after taking a gap year and gaining real-world experience, Ahmed discovered a different route that suited him far better.
Now an award-winning finance apprentice at Lloyds Banking Group, Ahmed is combining professional study with hands-on experience, building the skills and confidence to shape his future in the industry.
Discovering a passion for finance
At sixth form, Ahmed studied A Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and History, initially planning to go on to study mathematics at university. But before committing to that path, he decided to take a gap year.
During that time, he joined Lloyds Banking Group as a Customer Advisor — an experience that changed how he thought about learning and career development.
Instead of continuing in a purely academic environment, Ahmed realised he thrived when learning through real work.
“I quickly realised that the skills I was developing in the workplace far exceeded anything I had experienced in a classroom setting.”
This realisation led him to pursue an apprenticeship — a pathway that would allow him to gain professional qualifications while contributing to the business from day one.
His first application to the finance apprenticeship programme in 2023 was unsuccessful. But rather than giving up, Ahmed reflected on the feedback and applied again the following year.
In 2024, he secured the role.
Building skills through real-world experience
Although Ahmed had always enjoyed working with numbers, accounting wasn’t originally part of his career plan. His interest in finance grew during his time at Lloyds Banking Group, where he saw how financial insight supports decision-making across the organisation.
The apprenticeship gave him the chance to explore that interest in a practical way.
Instead of learning finance purely in theory, Ahmed was able to apply concepts directly in his role — reinforcing his learning while developing professional skills.
Through the programme, he has already gained exposure to experiences many people wouldn’t expect so early in their careers.
These include:
- Working in Group Corporate Treasury
- Contributing to data and automation projects affecting the reporting of billions in balances
- Collaborating with senior stakeholders across the organisation
Beyond his day-to-day role, Ahmed has also taken on leadership opportunities. He has mentored hundreds of students and currently chairs Lloyds Banking Group’s national Next Generation Talent network, ASPIRE.
Recognition at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards
Ahmed’s achievements were recently recognised when he won Accounting and Finance Apprentice of the Year at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards.
For Ahmed, the award represented far more than academic success.
“The award recognised not just academic achievement, but the journey, the challenges, the resilience and the impact beyond my day-to-day role.”
Winning also validated the decision he made to pursue an apprenticeship instead of a more traditional university pathway.
Professionally, the recognition has given him a platform to support others considering similar routes. Since receiving the award, Ahmed has continued mentoring early careers candidates and supporting apprentice initiatives such as skills events and assessment centres.
Learning with Kaplan
Alongside his work at Lloyds Banking Group, Ahmed is completing his professional studies with Kaplan.
Balancing work, study and exams can be challenging, but he says Kaplan’s structured approach and accessible support have been key to helping him stay focused.
“Kaplan provided structure and clarity at every stage. The learning materials, tutor support and clear exam guidance helped me stay confident, even during intense periods.”
The combination of structured learning and flexibility has allowed him to manage exam preparation alongside the demands of a full-time role.
Growing through challenge
Starting a finance career without previous experience brought its own challenges. The technical environment meant there was a steep learning curve at the beginning.
Ahmed tackled this by breaking problems down, asking questions early and taking ownership of his development.
Over time, those challenges helped him build resilience and confidence — qualities that now play a central role in his work.
His studies have also helped him develop a range of transferable skills beyond technical knowledge, including:
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Professional judgement
Learning how to explain complex financial concepts clearly has been particularly valuable in a collaborative workplace.
Advice for future apprentices
Reflecting on his journey so far, Ahmed believes apprenticeships offer an incredibly powerful pathway for those willing to commit and challenge themselves.
His advice for anyone considering the route is simple: believe in your potential and stay curious.
“Don’t underestimate yourself or the pathway. Apprenticeships are demanding, but they’re incredibly rewarding. If you commit fully, the opportunities are limitless.”
For Ahmed, the experience has revealed strengths he didn’t realise he had — and confirmed that success doesn’t depend on following a single traditional path.
Instead, it comes from resilience, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning.
Interested in starting your own career in finance?
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