"It’s very encouraging to hear about the success of graduates who are already making their mark in our financial services sector"
Managed by the Welsh Financial Services Forum and industry partners, the Programme exists to ensure that Wales retains its high-calibre graduates to support the Welsh financial services sector.
Since first launching in 2013, the programme has recruited and developed over 70 graduates, 95% of which have secured permanent roles with participating companies. The first version launched in 2013 as a Welsh Government backed pilot programme, with part-funding now received from the European Social Fund.
Over the programme’s two-year period, each graduate will have the opportunity to develop a unique level of industry insight as they rotate through a series of structured work placements and additional academic training. Each can expect to gain experience in the key areas employers in the sector are calling for including: risk, compliance, innovation, leadership and management and finance, and a customised MSc in Financial Services Management delivered by University of South Wales on graduation.
Participating companies include some of Wales’ largest financial organisations and a growing number of home-grown firms including: Admiral Group, Atradius, Composite Legal Expenses, DS Smith, Finance Wales, GM Financial, Hodge Bank, Legal & General Investment Management, LexisNexis® Risk Solutions, Optimum Credit Ltd, Principality Building Society and V12 Retail Finance.
Sandra Busby, managing director of Welsh Financial Services Forum, said: “Thanks to the support from European funding, Welsh Government and our partner organisations, we have created a programme that helps to ensure that fresh, ambitious graduates have every opportunity to realise the potential careers Wales can offer them."
Welsh Government Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford, said: “In total, £2.4m of EU funds have been invested in this programme which is allowing more graduates to pursue professional careers here in Wales and helping businesses develop the next generation of leaders within this sector.
“This is an important investment in the future of a key industry. It’s very encouraging to hear about the success of graduates who are already making their mark in our financial services sector and I wish the programme and participating employers further success over the coming years.”
