Shaquille’s Story: Finding Direction and Building Independence
Shaquille grew up in Birmingham with his parents, who are originally from Jamaica, and his three siblings. He describes his school experience as positive, supported by friends, teachers and a mentor who helped him stay on track academically.
At the time, he didn’t have a clear career plan. Like many young people, he simply wanted a job that was well paid and flexible.
Searching for the Right Path
After leaving school, Shaquille explored college and began studying Mechanical Engineering. However, he quickly realised the course wasn’t the right fit and found himself unsure about what direction to take next.
While looking for work, he stayed in touch with his mentor, who eventually introduced him to LTSB. Hearing that the organisation focused on careers rather than just jobs immediately caught his attention, even though he was initially sceptical about working in banking.
Stepping Outside His Comfort Zone
Shaquille joined LTSB’s three-week bootcamp, unsure what to expect. What began as a nerve-wracking experience quickly became a turning point.
Through group presentations, quizzes and practical exercises, he developed confidence, teamwork and communication skills. The programme helped him grow both personally and professionally, giving him the preparation he needed to succeed in interviews.
Breaking into Banking
After completing the bootcamp, Shaquille progressed through the interview process and was offered a role in Mortgage Customer Service. The moment he received the offer brought a huge sense of relief and excitement, especially knowing how much his family had supported him along the way.
Starting the role was a big transition. Fresh out of school, the intensity of the training and the new world of banking felt overwhelming at first.
With daily training sessions and support from his team and fellow apprentices, he gradually built his knowledge and confidence.
Growing in Confidence at Work
Shaquille remembers how intimidating his first live calls felt. Over time, handling customer enquiries became second nature as his confidence grew and his skills developed.
He has since become comfortable balancing office and remote working and feels proud of the progress he has made.
A New Chapter for Him and His Family
Since starting his apprenticeship, Shaquille has seen major changes in his personal life. He has developed new habits, gained independence and even moved to a new area to focus on his future.
He now helps support his family financially and has learned to manage his money and responsibilities in ways that were previously out of reach.
Looking Ahead
Shaquille plans to complete his apprenticeship and continue building his career at the bank, with ambitions to upskill, gain further qualifications and explore new departments in the future.
He is proud of how far he has come and grateful to the mentors and supporters who helped him along the way. Today, he shares his experience with friends and encourages them to pursue similar opportunities, hoping his journey can inspire others to follow a path they may not have considered possible.
