Leeds to recruit 11 apprentices

The roles are in IT, marketing, financial planning and also in the branch network.

Apprentices earn the living wage as they complete two years’ paid training in the workplace and progress towards formal qualifications in their chosen specialism.

Becky Hewitt, Leeds Building Society’s general manager – people, said: “We would welcome measures to give greater acknowledgement to the value of apprenticeships.

“Our own scheme illustrates the benefits for employers and the young people who start work and earn as they train, with the prospect of a skilled job at the end.

“Our first intake of five apprentices joined the Society in autumn 2012 and all completed their training at the end of last year to take up full-time permanent roles.

“We see the support we offer these talented young people to advance their careers as an exciting part of our wider People strategy to recruit and retain the very best colleagues, to benefit our growing business and keep on improving the service we offer to our members.”

Of the current society apprentices 11 are working towards Advanced Level Apprenticeships Level 3 NVQ qualifications in Providing Financial Services, Business Administration, Customer Service, Marketing and Accountancy across sites in Leeds and the North East.

David Gaughan, Leeds City College director of apprenticeships, added: “Leeds Building Society put a tremendous amount of energy and investment into making their apprenticeship programme an outstanding opportunity for young people to develop their knowledge, skills and experience to forge a successful career path in the financial sector.”