Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE In summer 2009, Hampden Agencies Limited (HAL) was one of 20 companies from the Lloyd’s Market offering paid internships to pupils from schools in local boroughs. This was organised as part of celebrations for the 20th birthday of the Lloyd’s Community Programme, with the aim of opening the Lloyd’s Market to local school leavers through the City Business Traineeship scheme.

After a highly successful initial experience of the scheme, HAL has continued to participate in the CBT programme in following years.

In 2009 HAL’s intern worked in the research department, filling a proper role and getting an all-round view of the research team’s work. Her line manager was very impressed with her contribution, commenting on her ability, self reliance, maturity, and confidence during a particularly busy period. She was equally enthusiastic, describing her internship at HAL as an opportunity to learn about a sector she had not encountered before and a positive experience of working life. “I’ve had so much fun and this has been a valuable experience for me. I would definitely recommend the CBT programme. I am sure that there are many students who would have never considered gaining work experience in the City and I hope that many other people can take part.”

In 2010 the internship offered was also research based, but with a client services focus, working in the administration team. HAL’s intern appreciated the opportunity to learn about the Lloyd’s Market, work independently, and gain experience relevant to a future career in the City. She described her time at HAL as “life experience as well as work experience” and recommends the CBT programme to “all young people interested in the city who want a challenge and a chance to get first-hand experience of what it’s all about”.

The 2011 internship project focussed on client information provision and social media.  Our intern worked hard and learned fast, developing well over her stay at HAL.  In her farewell letter she wrote: “Thank you so much for the opportunity from this internship. It has been absolutely fascinating to work at Hampden over the past 7 weeks and I have really enjoyed meeting your lovely staff and learning so much about how your business works.”  Her line manager said that her research exceeded expectations in its depth and penetration while her “age and outlook” enabled her to make “relevant and eye-opening” observations.  Her confidence and report writing skills improved during her time at HAL, and her line manager found his engagement with the CBT programme rewarding.