Wealth manager launches apprenticeship scheme

In a bid to help more people ‘access a career in the financial services industry’

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Kleinwort Hambros has opened applications for its 2020 apprenticeship scheme with 14 vacancies available at its UK offices.

The 22 month-long scheme, which will run from November 2020, will offer successful applicants the opportunity to become a member of a department for the duration of the scheme.

It will allow trainees to develop a range of skills including digital and technical, in both back and front office roles.

The departments included in the scheme are commercial, client solution services, risk, operations, company secretarial and IT.

Break down barriers

Elena Orsini, head of HR at Kleinwort Hambros, said: “In what is currently a challenging environment for businesses and individuals, we are proud that we are able to provide an opportunity for people to access a career in the financial services industry and to help people progress in their careers.

“It is crucial that businesses continue to encourage talented people to enter the workforce and provide the opportunities for them to do so. By equipping our apprentices with the training and support required to take them further in their careers, it is our aim to contribute to job-growth in the sector in the long-term.

“This is also a hugely exciting opportunity for Kleinwort Hambros as we seek to grow our business and enrich our diverse and talented community of employees.”

Opportunity

The scheme, which is open to both current staff and new joiners, will provide the opportunity for apprentices to acquire on the job experience, while gaining a professional qualification in a structured framework.

It also seeks to encourage and support younger people who are just starting out on their career paths, by providing an alternative route into the financial services sector, as well as creating a diverse talent pipeline for the bank.

The Societe Generale subsidiary has a number of other initiatives designed to provide greater access to the financial services industry, including its career returners programme and its internship scheme.

The apprenticeship scheme comes several weeks after chancellor Rishi Sunak launched a £2bn ($2.51bn, €2.22bn) kickstart scheme to create hundreds of thousands of fully-subsidised jobs for young people.

Experience

Ines Tavarela Coutinhas, a former apprentice in Kleinwort Hambros’ business acquisition group who now has a full-time role as trainee analyst, said: “The training scheme is very well drafted, dedicating time for on the job learning as well as studying for financial accreditations. I am now in the middle of completing my Level 4IAD exams and my team has given me full support throughout the process.

“As a graduate with little work experience, the first challenge I found was breaking the barrier into the finance sector. But Kleinwort Hambros was very supportive in my development throughout my training.

“The business acquisition group’s main goal is to acquire new business and prospects, a role which encourages creative thinking and provides opportunities to explore new ideas. Through the training scheme and with the support of my team who really invested in my development, I was allowed the opportunity to develop and hone my skills.”