Receiving a Chartered Banker Institute prize for achieving the highest mark in the Bank Risk Management module was a proud milestone in Mason Smith’s apprenticeship journey.

Since beginning his apprenticeship with Lloyds Banking Group, Mason has completed the Level 6 Financial Services Professional Apprenticeship and progressed into a permanent role in Capital Markets, demonstrating how combining work and study has supported his career development.

Mason’s experience shows the impact an apprenticeship can have, providing the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications while building professional experience.

Choosing an apprenticeship over university

Mason knew before starting sixth form that university wasn't the route he wanted to take.

Seeing both of his parents build successful careers without attending university helped shape his decision and encouraged him to explore alternative pathways.

"I was lucky to be thinking about my post-18 options at a time when apprenticeships were beginning to increase in popularity," he says. “The combination of this and very supportive career advisers confirmed my preference to begin an apprenticeship after finishing my A-Levels.”

After applying for several opportunities across finance and insurance, Mason received multiple offers before accepting a place with Lloyds.

"When the Lloyds offer came through, it was an opportunity I couldn't miss," he recalls.

Since joining, Mason has spent most of his time working in Capital Markets, supporting clients with their interest rate risk management requirements, alongside a short secondment on the FX Sales desk.

Building professional knowledge alongside work

Although Mason decided against university, he was still keen to continue learning alongside his role.

"The opportunity to further develop my skills in essay writing and pursue a relevant professional qualification alongside day-to-day responsibilities really appealed to me," he explains.

The Level 6 Financial Services Professional Apprenticeship offered exactly what he was looking for.

“The apprenticeship provided that with the assignment-based Advanced Diploma in Banking & Leadership in a Digital Age qualification, so this only enhanced my desire to pursue the opportunity with Lloyds,” he says.

Alongside gaining technical knowledge and professional qualifications, the apprenticeship also helped Mason develop professional skills, including critical thinking, effective communication, and time management, all of which continue to support him in his role today.

Receiving national recognition

Winning the Chartered Banker Institute prize was a significant milestone for Mason.

"Receiving this award was very satisfying and fulfilling," he says. "It was the icing on the cake of a challenging but rewarding qualification."

Rather than one outstanding assignment, Mason believes his result reflected steady improvement throughout the programme.

"My understanding of the writing style and wider reading required improved with every module," he explains. "As my confidence grew, so did the quality of my submissions."

That progress was reflected in his results, progressing from passes in the earlier modules to distinctions in the final two.

Developing skills that transfer into the workplace

Alongside technical banking knowledge, Mason says one of the biggest improvements has been in his professional writing.

"I've noticed a real step-up in my writing ability since completing the qualification," he says.

He's already applying those skills in his current role by producing timely updates that outline current affairs and their impact on financial markets.

The apprenticeship also strengthened his time management skills.

"Balancing full-time work with studying was challenging," he explains. "But as the qualification progressed, I became much better at managing both."

It also strengthened future-focused skills such as analysing complex information, communicating clearly, and adapting to new challenges, all of which have supported his continued professional development.

Having successfully balanced work and study once, Mason now feels well prepared to take on future professional qualifications.

Overcoming challenges

Like many learners, Mason found some modules more demanding than others.

"Commercial Lending was probably the most challenging module because of how precise your responses needed to be," he recalls.

The first module also required an adjustment period.

"Professionalism and Ethics was difficult because everything was still relatively unknown at that stage."

Rather than becoming discouraged, Mason used each assignment as an opportunity to improve, carefully applying feedback from previous submissions.

The value of support

Throughout the programme, Mason credits both Kaplan and Lloyds for helping him succeed.

Before the course began, he agreed with his employer to dedicate one full study day each week.

"Having a dedicated study day meant I could fully separate work and study," he explains. "It allowed me to give both my full attention without distractions."

He also highlights the support he received from Kaplan tutors Abi and Chris.

“Both were always on hand to answer any questions and point me in the right direction, even outside of our allocated sessions,” he says.

“I had several calls with Chris to ask last minute questions in the run up to submission; his understanding and experience of the qualification was commendable.”

Mason's advice for future banking apprentices

Looking back, Mason believes one of the most valuable resources available to learners is examiner feedback.

"If you're studying towards a qualification like the ADBLDA, read and respond to any examiner feedback available,” he advises.

"It tells you exactly what the examiners are looking for, whether that's content, structure, or writing style. Using that feedback to shape your next assignment will make your submission much stronger."

For apprentices more generally, his advice is equally practical.

"Stay organised and keep on top of your workload, especially your off-the-job hours," he says. "If you stay consistent and chip away at everything steadily, it never becomes too overwhelming."

Looking ahead

Since completing the qualification, Mason has completed his apprenticeship and moved into a full-time role within Capital Markets.

“I completed my apprenticeship in October 2025 and was subsequently promoted into a full-time role within Capital Markets,” he says.

He is now preparing to continue developing his skills through further professional study.

“I am going to soon begin working towards another relevant professional qualification, and I am keen to continue developing as much as I can and I am excited by the prospect of building on existing finance foundations.”

Looking further ahead, Mason has clear ambitions for his career.

“Long-term, I aim to build a long and successful career in markets,” he says.

Thinking about a career in banking?

If you're looking to build practical experience while gaining a recognised professional qualification, an apprenticeship could be the ideal route.

Whether you're just starting your career or exploring an alternative to university, apprenticeships offer the opportunity to build valuable workplace experience, develop future-ready skills, and gain industry-recognised qualifications.

Find out more about banking and financial services apprenticeships and explore the pathways available to help you take the next step in your career.