Manchester-based investment platform AJ Bell has welcomed 13 new recruits to its award-winning apprenticeship scheme intake for 2021. AJ Bell now has 82 employees who are on or have recently completed its apprenticeship programmes. This marks the fifth year AJ Bell has recruited and trained apprentices and 500 applications for this year’s scheme shows how popular and valuable apprenticeships are to young people based in the North West.
The new apprentices are on two programmes; ten 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.
Three 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.
The apprentices will initially take part in a three-week bespoke 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 94% achieving distinctions.
AJ Bell received a Highly Commended Award at the National Apprenticeships Awards 2020, which recognise the very best employers, apprentices and apprenticeship champions across the country.
Andy Bell, chief executive at AJ Bell, comments:
“As a fast-growing business, it is important that we attract and maintain a diverse and talented workforce. Our apprenticeship scheme plays an important role in that by bringing smart and enthusiastic young people into the business and giving them the training, experience and support they need to forge a career in investments or technology. This is our 5th intake and I am very proud to say that every apprentice we have taken on has been offered a full time job at the end of the apprenticeship, with many having secured one or more promotions."