Manchester-based investment platform AJ Bell has welcomed ten new apprentices from over 600 applications to its apprenticeship scheme intake for 2020. AJ Bell now has 69 employees who are on or have recently completed its apprenticeship programmes.
The new apprentices are on three programmes; six of the apprentices are enrolled on the Investment Operations Specialist Programme and will undertake a Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment qualification as part of their two year apprenticeship.
Four apprentices will be joining the Digital Apprenticeship Programme, a four year course which results in a BSc degree with Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) whilst working alongside the AJ Bell Technology Services team. One of this group of apprentices will be specialising in Digital User Experience - this is a new specialism that MMU are offering for the first time.
The apprentices will initially take part in a three week induction where they receive technical training and hear from senior leaders.
Apprentices who completed their courses at AJ Bell this year have all passed their apprenticeship with 80% achieving distinctions.
Andy Bell, chief executive officer at AJ Bell, says:
“This year has been tough for young people trying to find their footing after leaving school. These new apprenticeships offer ten more young people the opportunity to kick-start their careers like we’ve seen with previous cohorts. It’s great to see that 7% of AJ Bell employees are current or past members of our apprenticeship scheme and we have no plans to stop any time soon.
“Welcoming young people into the business through different routes and with varying backgrounds has always been at the heart of the company’s recruitment policy, and I’m looking forward to seeing their positive influence on the success of AJ Bell.”
Andy Bell, CEO of AJ Bell, with the new apprentices.