Dericson Fernando, Data Technician

What I do

My main tasks involve cleaning and studying data, as well as creating dashboards and graphs. These help other people in the company understand information quickly and easily, so they can make decisions on the best ways of working or next steps. Data is very valuable to a company, so it’s important to use it well, to help make the right decisions.

Dericson working on his laptop in the office.

How I became a technician

I moved from Sri Lanka to the UK when I was 16. I chose to do a T-Level in Digital Data Analytics, where I learnt data analysis, databases and Excel. As part of my course, I did an eight-week industry placement (like work experience) at Lloyds Banking Group, which led to an apprenticeship with them.

How I became a technician

I wasn’t sure whether to go to university or do an apprenticeship, but I’m so glad I chose an apprenticeship - it has given me hands-on work experience, I’ve learnt lots and I’m getting paid. It was definitely the right choice for me!

A typical day in my working life

Every day is a different, but it usually starts with team meetings to talk about our projects. I spend time cleaning data (making sure it’s right), creating dashboards (which are a way to show the results of our work in a collection of charts and graphs) or writing reports and presenting the information I’ve found out.

A typical day in my working life

As part of my apprenticeship, I also spend time on training and coursework. Lloyds offers lots of training, which keep my days interesting and helps me learn new things.

Dericson stood up, presenting information in a meeting.

What I love about my job

I love creating dashboards and turning complicated data into simpler charts that everyone can understand and rely on to make decisions. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes, like checking for mistakes, matching data correctly and connecting different systems, so everything runs smoothly. The creative side of designing the dashboards is my favourite part of the job.

The skills I use most

Communication skills are probably the most important. I talk with colleagues to understand exactly what they need and ensure they’re happy with my work. Critical thinking is also key because it helps me analyse data, find patterns and spot mistakes. Having attention to detail is crucial too – even a tiny mistake can affect the whole project.

I’m so glad I chose an apprenticeship - it has given me hands-on work experience, I’ve learnt lots and I’m getting paid.

Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to improve your skills and grow yourself.

A little more about my everyday role

The best part of working in a team

I work in a team of seven, including my manager and me, but we’re part of a larger group, so there’s always someone I can ask for help or advice. Working with experienced people means I learn a lot every day - everyone is happy to help, whether they’re from my team or another department. It’s great to work together, share ideas and hear different opinions.

My favourite piece of equipment

My favourite software is Power BI. It's a tool that connects with Excel and helps me create clear, interactive data visualisations (like graphs and charts) quickly. It’s more user-friendly, saving me time and making my job easier. I love turning complicated data into simple visuals that tells a clear story, which people can understand easily.

What I like to do in my spare time

I live in Manchester, and while we don’t have many beaches (like there were in Sri Lanka!), there's still plenty to do. I love going to the gym to keep fit and often go to the cinema. I like to go bowling with friends or explore Manchester's restaurants to try out different foods. It’s always fun finding new places and experiences around the city.

What’s the most exciting thing you’ve achieved in your job?

I'm really proud of completing the residential training sessions that are part of my apprenticeship programme. The sessions involve learning practical skills and theory related to data analysis, statistics, dashboard creation and data cleaning. They’ve given me more confidence and a deeper understanding of my role. I'm looking forward to attending my final residential training soon.

A surprising fact about my job

Most people are surprised when I tell them Lloyds has a big transport business. It’s not just money and banking, Lloyds finances and sells cars too, so my role involves analysing data about vehicles, customers and finances which is interesting.

The next steps in my career journey

My next goal is finishing my apprenticeship. I plan to continue working in data analytics and specialise in certain areas to improve my skills even more. Lloyds offers plenty of opportunities to grow, and I'm excited to continue learning and developing.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

If you’re curious about a career area, an apprenticeship can be a great way to explore it. At first, I wasn't sure whether to choose university or an apprenticeship, but I'm so glad I took this path. It’s a great way to learn practical skills, earn money and get real work experience. Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to improve your skills and grow yourself.