Where curiosity and passion help careers takes shape
I joined LV= GI when I was 17. Having moved around within the company quite a bit, a couple of years ago I saw a call for apprentices on our internal job board. There was a Software Developer apprenticeship opportunity and I thought “I’d love to do that”. I didn’t have any experience in the area but thought I’d apply anyway. Somehow I got the job and started my two year apprenticeship - learning and working towards the end goal of becoming a Junior Developer, which I am now.
Just after I started my apprenticeship, we were asked if we wanted to take part in the Million Makers competition - an annual fundraising competition run by The Prince’s Trust. It’s a challenge where teams from companies across the country compete to raise as much money as they can over a six-month period. Every team is given £1,500 seed money and then it’s down to you to turn it into a minimum of £10,000 by the end of the year - with all profits going to The Prince’s Trust.
Me and other apprentices got together as a team and put on lots of little events like bake sales and raffles over the six month period. We also did a golf day, hosted an online quiz, and held an auction. We ended up raising £34,000 and won the New Kids On The Block Award - which was great!
I feel like I've only scratched the surface of my career at LV= GI. Now I've completed my apprenticeship, there are so many new things to try and lots more opportunities to expand my knowledge. I feel like I'm constantly learning, which is amazing. I know I've only just got the Junior Developer role, but I'm already thinking “what's next?” At LV= GI, the opportunities are endless.
If someone was thinking about applying for a job with LV GI, I'd tell them to do it. It's a brilliant company with fabulous staff, good benefits, and they treat their people like family. I've always said LV= GI is a brilliant place to work. I feel secure in my job and I'm especially grateful to have had the opportunity to do something I love, and to learn and grow my career.
Lorraine, Junior Developer at LV= GI Bournemouth