AJ Bell, one of the UK’s leading investment platforms, has recruited a record number of new apprentices to its headquarters in Salford Quays.
Following a successful Apprenticeship Careers Day earlier this year, over 500 applicants for the 2019 intake resulted in 14 successful candidates accepted on to two programmes.
Five have enrolled on to a Digital and Technology Services degree apprenticeship programme which AJ Bell is running for the first time.
The apprentices will undertake a four-year programme where they will work in AJ Bell’s Technology Services department at the same time as studying for a BSc with Manchester Metropolitan University.
Nine apprentices have started the successful Investment Operations Specialist apprenticeship programme, which is now in its third year.
They will rotate around AJ Bell’s customer services teams to gain a broad understanding of the business during a two-year programme.
Some of its first cohort of apprentices have already completed their programmes and have done so with great success. All are now permanent members of staff in new roles across the business.
Andy Bell, chief executive at AJ Bell, who personally welcomed the latest recruits on to the apprenticeship programme, said: “The apprenticeship scheme has become increasingly popular since we began in 2017, and we’re excited to welcome the new apprentices to AJ Bell to start their careers in financial services.
“With around six per cent of current AJ Bell employees in or just completed the apprenticeship programme, we’re proud to champion the qualification wholeheartedly.
“The different insights offered by apprentices to our permanent staff are invaluable and have helped mould the business for future AJ Bell customers.
“Successful applicants have already had a crash course in investing before they start with their new teams, and will gain more essential work experience throughout the programme, with permanent roles up for grabs at the end of the scheme for those who show the necessary skills and application.”
