They’re hired! Latest Wesleyan apprentices graduate with permanent roles

The apprentices are the fifth group to complete the scheme the specialist financial services provider runs with Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet). The course was designed to provide an alternative career route into the financial services sector.

Wesleyan Chief Executive Craig Errington added: “I don’t see this as the end of their apprenticeship, but as the first stage of their career with Wesleyan. It’s important to find and develop our own talent and this scheme is a key part of that programme.

“We celebrate our 175th Anniversary this year, and it would be nice to see how many of them will be leading our organisation by the time we reach our 200th celebrations.”

Andrew Cleaves, Principal at BMet College, said: “It’s fantastic that another group of talented apprentices has gained the industry skills and qualifications to lead them into a long-term financial services career. The apprenticeship programme we deliver with Wesleyan is one that both employers and aspiring professionals can take inspiration from. It supports business growth and development, while opening new employees up to the range of opportunities within this thriving sector.”

Since joining Wesleyan’s scheme in 2014, Jonathan Darbinson has worked across a number of teams in its Marketing department. He has now accepted a job in its Events team.

“The good thing about the apprenticeship scheme was that not only did I get a qualification, I also go to experience all the aspects of Marketing before settling on a permanent position that best suited me,” he said.

“Over the past 18 months I have grown from a young person into a working professional. The apprenticeship scheme has helped me develop many new skills that I will keep and take with me throughout the rest of my career. I have been given an amazing opportunity to learn about marketing and financial services and I can’t wait to get started on my new job!”

More than 50 apprentices have joined Wesleyan’s apprenticeship scheme since 2010. After attaining NVQs in business and administration, financial services or customer service from BMet, the vast majority continue to work at Wesleyan and develop their careers.

Wesleyan is a mutual financial services provider working with doctors, dentists, teachers and lawyers.