Tim started his apprenticeship with us five years ago. He had never imagined himself working at a company like Legal & General – but was open to a different experience from his family and took the initiative to follow a different path.
While Tim was stepping into something entirely new to him, he didn't have anything to worry about. Our apprenticeships offer the opportunity to study industry-recognised qualifications, whilst also providing on-the-job training in meaningful employment. Meanwhile, we make sure that all the right support is in place.
Tim’s curiosity and appetite for expanding his horizons are exactly the attributes that can help people thrive at Legal & General. So it's a true pleasure to introduce you to him and share his career journey so far.
So Tim, what made you choose Legal & General?
I am not sure whether, when I was younger, I would have envisaged myself in this type of role – working for a company like Legal & General. My family is very working class, and it’s always been expected that you go to school, do your GCSEs and then choose a trade to master. So, my journey towards becoming a Brand Executive has been quite unorthodox – but I would not have had it any other way.
At school, I wanted to do a broad range of A-levels, so I picked Law, Biology and Geography. I did those subjects so that when I left school, I had as many options as possible.
When I started applying for jobs, I was less focused on a specific role and more on the company’s purpose, working environment and whether it provided growth opportunities. That’s why I chose Legal & General. It’s an extremely diverse company with a range of people from different backgrounds, all supporting each other and working together. Plus, I really admire how they have always tried to achieve a positive impact in what they do, and aren’t just interested in maximising profits.
I joined the apprenticeship programme, assigned to our Group Brand team as one of Legal & General’s first-ever apprentices. I've truly been encouraged to be proactive, make this role my own and explore how I can add value. This is only possible because Legal & General has always focused on my potential and not just my qualifications.
Tell us a bit about the structure of your apprenticeship
Before Legal & General, my only work experience was a job at McDonalds. The apprenticeship was a completely different work setting, but I have always felt fully supported by my team.
When I started my apprenticeship five years ago, I'd have lectures once a quarter, with dedicated study time on Fridays. This structured learning, combined with learning from working directly with other people, helped me grow as an individual.
When my on-the-job training came to an end, I was delighted to be offered a full-time position as an Executive in the Group Brand team.
Did you face any challenges along the way?
It was challenging learning on the job, especially when it came to the unspoken rules of behaviour in office environments - something new to me. However, I knew I just needed to focus on how I could support and add value to the team.
I have always pushed myself to identify ways to support my team and keep things functioning smoothly. A huge drive for me has been finding ways to challenge myself and get immersed in Legal & General’s Brand purpose.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Every day, I get to work on a variety of projects, ranging from providing in-house design support and managing our Group website to collaborating with the Legal & General press team on major announcements to branding our new Cardiff offices.
The key has always been to maintain that visibility and look for ways to get involved. I often have to remind myself that if I find myself working on a project out of my comfort zone, this is an opportunity to challenge myself, expand my skills and grow.
How do you stay on top of your work?
I am committed to my job, but I also believe in maintaining a work-life balance. So it's great to see Legal & General continuing to embrace a flexible working approach.
Working in a hybrid way, balancing my work time between home and our London office, really helps me to stay on top of everything. And I also like to run, which I find a great way to switch off from work and improve my mental health.
Outside the work itself, what have you learnt since joining Legal & General?
Not to worry about the future, and to always be myself. I am part of a diverse team that includes people from all walks of life – they’ve come here from corporate companies, some were in the forces, others have worked as television producers. I feel genuinely at ease and comfortable being myself at Legal & General. Every day, I learn something new from the people I work with, and that's an amazing growth environment to be a part of.
Explore your possibilities at Legal & General
Whether you’re a school or college leaver like Tim, or considering a career change, there are many possibilities to kick-start your career at Legal & General.
Our apprentice programmes span Data, Technology, Accounting, Customer Service, Project Management, Business Analysis and Financial Crime. They all offer great opportunities to combine studying for an industry-recognised qualification, with meaningful employment in a supportive environment.
For further information, or to register your interest in an apprentice programme at Legal & General, check out our future talent opportunities.
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