Members of Monmouthshire Building Society’s Community Academy have graduated from the training scheme, with four getting permanent posts with the Newport-based mutual.
After 18 months of working in different departments around the Building Society, the six trainees have successfully completed the course and have achieved an NVQ Level 2, which was delivered to the participants by Academy partner and leading training provider Educ8. KidCare4U was also involved in the initiative.
As part of the Society’s commitment to invest in its people, communities and high streets, it offered six Academy places to those who were brand new to the financial services industry. It removed barriers such as GCSE requirements and job experience to entry-level people aged 16 and over. Forty people applied, which was whittled down to the final six who were offered the paid opportunities.
Now four of the six have accepted permanent posts with Monmouthshire Building Society, with 17-year-old Sami-ul Islam, 17, from Newport, getting a job in branch, 19-year-old Fin Kelly, 19 from Penarth, secured a role in the Society’s Marketing team. Alesha Amin, 18 from Newport, will join the Society’s People team and 19-year-old Syras Ali has gained a permanent role with the Treasury team. Other Academy members, Safwan Ahmed and Tessa Curtis are moving on to opportunities outside of the Society.
Kristy Maloney, Head of Savings at Monmouthshire Building Society, who leads the Academy, said:
“It is so amazing to see our Academy members graduate today. Seeing them grow, develop and flourish in the different departments around the Society over the last 18 months has been so rewarding.
“It’s also great to see so many of our graduates get jobs within the Society while other others move on to promising jobs with other employers with the career foundations they have gained with us, is really gratifying to see. I am extremely proud of every single one of them and am looking forward to seeing their careers grow and flourish.”
Community Academy graduate Sami-ul Islam said:
“Over the past 18 months I’ve had the opportunity to work in the contact centre where I learnt about the different products and offerings we have for customers.
“After applying for the Community Associate role, I’m excited to be moving into a branch-based position. I’m looking forward to taking on new challenges and working directly with customers.”
