For Lorenzo Meredith, choosing an apprenticeship was about finding a different way to learn - one that could bring theory to life through real experience.

Now in the final year of his Level 6 Financial Services Professional apprenticeship at Lloyds Banking Group, that decision has taken him from university uncertainty to award-winning success.

In this article, Lorenzo reflects on changing direction, combining work with study, and how his apprenticeship is helping shape his ambitions for the future.

Finding the right route into financial services

Lorenzo’s route into financial services wasn’t straightforward. After starting out studying Law at university, he began to question whether traditional higher education was the right fit for him.

“After spending a year at university, I realised I wanted a learning experience that combined both practical and theoretical knowledge. An apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in finance while working towards a degree-level qualification.”

His interest in the sector began to take shape through experiences outside of his studies.

“Running my own small business on Amazon gave me first-hand exposure to the financial side of business and sparked my curiosity about how banking and financial markets operate.”

That curiosity eventually led Lorenzo to Lloyds Banking Group, where he found opportunities to put his interests into practice and explore the industry from a new perspective.

“Since making that decision, I have never looked back. Throughout my apprenticeship, I have worked on a variety of projects, collaborated with senior leaders, taken part in fundraising initiatives, and developed both professionally and personally.”

Developing a broader understanding of banking

Alongside his role at Lloyds Banking Group, Lorenzo has been building his knowledge through the Level 6 Finance Apprenticeship.

“I was drawn to the Advanced Diploma in Banking and Leadership in a Digital Age module in the apprenticeship as it provided a well-rounded view of the banking and finance industry.

“It felt like the perfect stepping stone into the profession, helping me build a solid understanding of how the sector operates today while also exploring the future of finance, leadership, and digital innovation.”

That forward-looking perspective has complemented Lorenzo’s experience at Lloyds Banking Group, particularly as his interest in technology and its role in shaping the future of banking has grown.

Receiving a Chartered Banker Institute prize

A standout moment came when Lorenzo achieved the highest mark in his Bank Strategy, Operations and Technology module, earning a Chartered Banker Institute prize.

“Winning this award was an incredible feeling, and I am genuinely proud to have been recognised for my hard work and achievement.”

The result has given him added confidence as he looks towards the next stage of his career.

“The award has given me a real boost in confidence and reinforced what I can achieve when I challenge myself.”

His success also reflects the value of being able to connect learning with experience.

“I believe my experiences at Lloyds Banking Group have been a major contributor to my success. Throughout my apprenticeship, I have worked across different teams, giving me a broad understanding of the banking industry and exposing me to a variety of challenges and opportunities.”

Balancing a full-time role with studying

Balancing the demands of work and study was not always straightforward for Lorenzo.

“One of the biggest challenges was balancing a full-time role alongside studying, which can sometimes feel like juggling two different worlds.”

As he settled into the demands of both, however, his perspective began to change.

“However, I quickly realised that my job and qualification were not separate.”

The two experiences began to complement one another, giving Lorenzo different ways to approach the same challenges.

“My role at Lloyds Banking Group provided the practical experience, while the Bank Strategy, Operations and Technology module gave me the theoretical knowledge.”

That connection helped Lorenzo manage the demands of his apprenticeship while making the most of the opportunities it offered.

Thinking more strategically at work

The apprenticeship has also changed how Lorenzo approaches his role, giving him a broader perspective on his work and its place within the organisation.

“This qualification has helped me develop a broader understanding of banking and how my role contributes to the wider organisation.”

He has also applied this perspective to change and process improvement at Lloyds Banking Group.

“It has encouraged me to think more strategically and consider how innovation and technology can improve processes and outcomes.

“I have applied this learning through my involvement in change initiatives and process improvements at Lloyds Banking Group, where I have had opportunities to work with new systems and support improvements to ways of working.”

Support from Kaplan and Lloyds Banking Group

Having the right support around him has been another important part of Lorenzo’s apprenticeship.

“Kaplan's tutors and learning resources helped me develop my knowledge and confidence, while also providing guidance whenever I faced challenges during my studies.”

Alongside this, Lorenzo has been able to build on his learning through his role at Lloyds Banking Group.

“The support from my managers, colleagues, and mentors has been invaluable, encouraging me to take on new challenges, gain experience across different teams, and continue developing professionally.”

For Lorenzo, the combination of both has been a key part of his experience.

“Having support from both my training provider and employer created the perfect balance of academic learning and practical experience, which played a significant role in my success and overall development.”

Lorenzo’s advice for future banking apprentices

For anyone considering a professional banking qualification or apprenticeship, Lorenzo has three simple recommendations:

• Embrace every opportunity and make the most of the experience.
• Try to connect what you're learning through the qualification with your day-to-day role, as that's where the real value lies.
• Stay curious, ask questions, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

And while the combination of work and study can be demanding, he believes the experience is ultimately rewarding:

“Balancing work and study can be challenging at times, but the skills, knowledge, and opportunities you gain make it incredibly worthwhile. Most importantly, trust in your ability and enjoy the journey.”

Looking ahead

As Lorenzo approaches the end of his apprenticeship, receiving the Chartered Banker Institute prize marks an important point in his journey.

“Receiving this award is a proud milestone, but I see it as just the beginning of my journey.”

Looking ahead, Lorenzo is keen to build on his experience and continue developing his career in financial services.

“My ambition is to continue growing within the financial industry, gaining experience across different areas of banking and learning from a diverse range of people and perspectives.”

Learning will remain an important part of his career beyond the apprenticeship.

“I am passionate about continuous development, and I want to keep building my knowledge, taking on new challenges, and broadening my understanding of the industry.”

Ultimately, Lorenzo hopes to use what he has learned to make a meaningful contribution to the sector.

“By gaining more experience and exposure, I hope to progress my career, contribute to meaningful change, and ultimately make a lasting impact within the banking sector.”

Thinking about a career in banking?

Lorenzo’s experience shows how an apprenticeship can bring academic learning and workplace experience together, helping learners build industry knowledge while developing the confidence and professional skills needed for their future careers.

For those looking to enter financial services, or develop their career while gaining a recognised qualification, an apprenticeship offers the opportunity to learn from real workplace experiences while continuing to build professional knowledge.

Explore Kaplan’s banking and financial services apprenticeships or and explore the pathways available to help you take the next step in your career.