- Over 100 apprentices have now joined apprenticeships with the AJ Bell Academy in Manchester
- Salford Mayor and AJ Bell CEO welcome new joiners in record year for new intake
- Case studies and interviews with AJ Bell Academy apprentices, as well as additional press photos, are available on request
AJ Bell’s 2023 apprenticeship intake were welcomed into its Manchester office yesterday by AJ Bell CEO, Michael Summersgill, and Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett, as the FTSE 250 company launched the AJ Bell Academy.
This year’s 34 new digital and investment apprentices mean the AJ Bell Academy has now welcomed more than 100 apprentices, with this year’s intake being the largest to date. They will embark on their apprenticeships alongside the AJ Bell Academy’s educational partners, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and Fitch Learning, who will work with the Digital degree and Investment Operations apprentices respectively.
AJ Bell CEO Michael Summersgill addressed the latest cohort of apprentices, saying: “We are today launching the AJ Bell Academy as our award-winning apprenticeship programme goes into its sixth year. We have had over 100 apprentices from across Greater Manchester take part in the programme since it began, showing how successfully we have developed local talent to support the growth of the business. We are excited to start work with this year’s cohort.”
The AJ Bell Academy’s award-winning programme has cultivated local talent from over 100 young people since it began in 2017. Its 85% ‘Distinction’ rate as well as the 81% of graduates who have gone on to be promoted soon after finishing their apprenticeships highlights the important role played by local companies in securing bright futures for the region’s young people.
Earlier this month AJ Bell received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted grading for the apprenticeships it delivers to its new Team Leaders and Managers, demonstrating its commitment not only to its new starters but to their ongoing development into leadership.
Applications for AJ Bell’s 2024 apprenticeship scheme opened this week to those who wish to apply to join next year.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett says:
“I’d like to congratulate the apprentices on being selected from over 1,500 applicants. This is a perfect opportunity to learn and get new skills which can support their future career progression. Myself and Councillor Bill Hinds – Lead Member for Skills, Work, Business and Workforce – wish all apprentices well in their future careers.
“A big thank you goes to AJ Bell for making these high-quality apprenticeships available – for being a standard-bearer amongst employers and giving young people their first step on the ladder, and also for continuing to invest in them and the wider workforce.”
Liz Gorb, director of apprenticeships at MMU, comments:
“We have worked with AJ Bell to develop their degree apprenticeship programme from the outset, and they have proved a fantastic partner and proactive ambassador for apprenticeships.
“AJ Bell has actively supported many of our high-profile VIP visits and events, including meetings with ministers, roundtables, and open evenings. As a forward-thinking employer, they create outstanding career opportunities for their apprentices, which not only reflects their dedication to the professional growth of their employees but also contributes to our collaborative success.
“The launch of the AJ Bell Academy is an exciting initiative which will create an even greater sense of community and belonging for the apprentices and will showcase all AJ Bell has to offer as a top employer. We very much look forward to welcoming a new cohort of AJ Bell Academy apprentices to the University campus over the coming weeks as they start their degree apprenticeship journey.”
Rob Thakur, managing director of Fitch Learning, adds:
“We are proud to partner with AJ Bell on their Investment Operations apprenticeship programme. The continued success is reflected in the next cohort being the largest to date.
“The launch of the AJ Bell Academy signifies the importance AJ Bell puts on apprenticeships to develop the future skills of those working in key roles in the financial services industry.”
AJ Bell Academy case studies are available to chat with the press about their journeys.