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15 Bristol students accepted onto the first intake of Lloyds Scholars

Truett Tate, Lloyds Group Executive Director, Prof Nick Lieven, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Bristol University, and Prof Rebecca Hughes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sheffield University, signing the contract to launch the Lloyds Scholars Programme at the bank's London headquarters

Truett Tate, Lloyds Group Executive Director, Prof Nick Lieven, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Bristol University, and Prof Rebecca Hughes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sheffield University, signing the contract to launch the Lloyds Scholars Programme at the bank's London headquarters David Parry/PA Wire

A group of Bristol University students chosen as part of the Lloyds Scholars programme are pictured with Truett Tate, Lloyds Group Executive Director

A group of Bristol University students chosen as part of the Lloyds Scholars programme are pictured with Truett Tate, Lloyds Group Executive Director David Parry/PA Wire

Press release issued: 29 November 2011

Fifteen students from Bristol University have been accepted onto the Lloyds Scholars Programme, which is a new initiative designed to support and encourage students from below average income families to study at leading universities.

Bristol joins Sheffield University for the pilot year of the scheme, which starts this autumn and was launched in London last night [28 November], aiming to help the students enhance their academic qualifications through providing financial support, mentoring and volunteering opportunities.

The successful 15 students went through a challenging assessment centre and had to meet a number of criteria to be accepted onto the programme. In return they will receive bursaries and performance-related awards worth up to £10,000 over three years, plus work experience and skills to help them develop a competitive employable edge at the end of their studies.

Alex Dickson and David Huggins were among the successful Bristol students who attended a celebratory signing ceremony with Professor Nick Lieven, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Bristol University.

Alex, who is a Mathematics and Physics undergraduate, said: "The quality and quantity of the opportunities Lloyds offers to its scholars is incredible. It's the best employability skills package I have come across by far."

Economics and Finance student David added: "It's a great opportunity for young people to get ahead of the game and distinguish themselves early on. It provides a fantastic insight into the real world of work, and you're given the chance to reciprocate and give back to society. For me, it is a truly life-changing achievement."

The launch of the programme coincides with research showing that only half of students are gaining the work experience they need to land a good job at the end of their degree.

The study, commissioned by Lloyds Banking Group and carried out by ICM, showed that although young people understand the value of work experience as well as a University degree, the current climate means a range of factors beyond their control are damaging their employability.

Professor Nick Lieven, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Bristol, said: "Bristol graduates not only have a great degree from a world-class university, they also leave with a wealth of additional skills that are so valued by employers worldwide.  The Lloyds Scholars scheme absolutely supports this and our role in educating many of tomorrow's leaders."

Matt Young, Group Corporate Affairs Director for Lloyds Banking Group, said: “The number of applications received for this year's pilot intake was very high and the calibre of those applying was exceptional. I congratulate the students who were selected as our inaugural Lloyds Scholars, they have already demonstrated huge ability and potential which we will help harness and develop further throughout the course of their studies.” 

 

Further information

Lloyds Scholars Programme

The pilot Lloyds Scholars Programme starts this autumn, with two of the UK’s leading universities - Bristol and Sheffield. The programme is open to 30 students from families with incomes below £25k PA, who achieve a minimum of 320 UCAS points in their top three A-Levels or equivalent. It will offer a range of support across four key areas:

  • Financial – bursaries and performance-related awards, spread over three years, worth up to £10,000 to the most successful scholars
  • Work experience – 10 week paid internships at Lloyds during the 1st and 2nd year summer holidays. These are salaried at £18k on an annual pro-rata basis
  • Mentoring – each scholar will be assigned a mentor from the business’ senior management and a peer buddy who has gone through the company’s existing graduate scheme to help with CV and interview advice
  • Volunteering – scholars will take on 100 hours a year community volunteering work organised by their Universities in conjunction with Lloyds

Bristol students accepted onto the inaugural programme are: Shamsa Ali; Lucy Casey; Bianca Chambers; Rickinder Chima; Portia Clark; Alice Davies; Kayleigh Derricutt; Alexander Dickson; Becky Hill; Alice Holden; David Huggins; Joshua Leslie; Anna Lunin; Paulina Platek; and Elston Sandiford.

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