Thursday 25 August 2016 9:34 am

Just received your GCSE results? No need to get A-Levels – get into the City with these apprenticeships at Lloyds, HSBC, PwC – and a new government department

By: Nina Edy

Those opening their GCSE results today will, for the most part, be planning to do A-Levels next year – particularly if they have ambitions in the City.

But what if you could work for one of the UK's largest finance sector organisations without suffering through another two years of academia?

We've rounded up the City's best post-GCSE apprenticeships.

1. Lloyds Banking Group – Group IT Advanced Apprenticeship

Salary: £367 a week

Duration: 12 – 36 months

Requirements: 5 GCSEs A-C, including Maths and a science/IT/engineering subject

Lloyds says: In addition to the skills we look for in all our apprentices any additional technical expertise would be an advantage, but isn't a requirement. It's more important that you've got the passion for IT.As well as a wealth of experience, depending on the technical area you're aligned to, you'll gain a Level 3 Qualification in IT.

Gaining this mix of qualifications and skills will ultimately give you more choice and open up more options for you to pursue in the future. That could mean taking on more responsibility in your current role, undertaking further development, or looking for new opportunities across the group.

Find out more here.

2. PwC – IT Desk Side Support Engineer Apprentice

Salary: £230.62 a week

Duration: 12 – 14 months

Requirements: Five GCSE grades C and above 

Pwc says: You will provide desk side support services to users in customer office. Resolve issues reported and escalating when required. Provide assistance to customers outside events when directed, and also call response and resolution within agreed SLA. 

This is a fantastic apprenticeship that will require successful candidates to be fully committed to their learning and developing their skill set.

Find out more here.

3. HSBC – Customer Service Apprenticeship

Salary: £289.00 a week

Duration: 12 – 18 months

Requirements: Minimum of 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths at grade C or above 

HSBC says: Whether you want a career that could take you to the top, or simply take you in an exciting new direction, HSBC offers opportunities, support and rewards that will take you further.

We ask for your commitment to develop and learn, and to be willing to devote some of your own time to see the programme through to the end

Find out more here.

4. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy – Policy Support Officer Apprentice

It's the City – but not as you know it. Play a vital role in determining how the City shapes up in the future with this apprenticeship at a  brand new government department. 

Salary: £468.25 a week

Duration: 18 months

Requirements: Minimum of 5 GCSE grades A* – C including English and Maths 

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy says: The team is responsible for developing a distinctive UK position on all policy issues relating to international trade. These are well-rounded roles with the opportunity to demonstrate organisational skills, draft briefings and work with ministers, and external stakeholders across government and internationally.

The successful candidates must have the potential to grasp complex issues quickly, possess sound common sense in dealing with challenges, be confident and personable in engaging senior officials and external stakeholders, and able to work at pace. You will need strong communication skills to prepare briefings and submissions.

Find out more here.