Santander announces record number of apprentices

The bank will be launching its new apprenticeship scheme in the second half of 2015 to support the new Trailblazers Apprenticeship framework introduced by the government. The new scheme will be available to a wider age range; helping younger people from 16+ years old to start their careers and older people looking to change careers

Banking group Santander has marked National Apprenticeship Week by announcing it will be looking to offer 450 apprenticeship opportunities across the UK in 2015 and into 2016. 

As part of the bank’s commitment to developing young people, the scheme will see apprentices taken on in full-time roles across a range of Santander’s divisions with the highest number of apprentices since the bank launched its apprenticeship scheme in 2012.

The bank will be launching its new apprenticeship scheme in the second half of 2015 to support the new Trailblazers Apprenticeship framework introduced by the government. The new scheme will be available to a wider age range; helping younger people from 16+ years old to start their careers and older people looking to change careers.

Successful applicants will join as permanent employees and will be supported with development programmes ranging from 12 to 36 months depending on the role. Most of the apprentices will also be provided with the opportunity to study vocational qualifications in Financial Services.

Iain Gallagher, senior manager of Early in Careers at Santander, said: “The new Trailblazer Apprenticeship framework will really help us to drive innovation and develop fresh talent which is key for our future as a business and our goal of being a bank that is simple, personal and fair.”

“After the success of our 2014 intake of apprentices, we’re delighted to be able to offer even more opportunities to people, developing their skills, providing professional development, nationally recognised qualifications and a guaranteed full time, permanent position.”

The Santander Apprenticeship programme is just one of the routes into a banking career as the bank recognises that people follow different employment paths. To ensure that Santander can attract talented candidates from all these paths, the bank has a range of development programmes, including those for graduates and people who are already working but looking to switch career.

Elliot Peet, from Santander’s Bootle office, was recruited as one of Santander’s 2013 apprentices in its retail contact centre division. He subsequently moved to become a complaints specialist and is now a business banking consultant.

Commenting on his experience, Elliot Peet said: “The apprenticeship has given me a real boost, not only in terms of my career but also in terms of my confidence. Everyone here, from the tutors to my colleagues, have been very helpful and I really enjoyed my time as an apprentice.

“I would definitely recommend apprenticeships to other school leavers looking to kick-start their career in the banking sector by learning core skills whilst getting first-hand experience in a working environment.”

 

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