Birmingham-based mutual Wesleyan Assurance Society is expanding its apprenticeship scheme following a successful pilot programme.
The scheme, launched in association with the National Skills Academy for Financial Services, will see the financial services specialist recruit 12 trainees to take part in an extended 18 month programme.
They will be placed in either the general insurance or customer services parts of the business.
Last year, five young people took part in the 12-month pilot scheme, spending four days a week working at the city centre head office and another day studying for an NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration or Retail Financial Services with Birmingham Metropolitan College.
They have all now been offered permanent roles within the company.
The scheme, which is designed to provide an alternative route for young people to kick-start a career in financial services, has been championed by Wesleyan chief executive Craig Errington, who is also chairman of the National Skills Academy for Financial Services’ (NSAFS) Employer Board in the West Midlands.
Clive Bridge, director of HR at Wesleyan, added: "Last year’s apprentices really impressed everyone with their dedication and enthusiasm and we were delighted to offer them all full time roles. This apprenticeship scheme is ideal for any young person wanting to start a career in financial services and receive on the job training.
"It’s also a great way for us to grow our own talent and boost skills levels in the financial services services sector."
