Member Article

Top financial services graduates set to stay in Wales as Minister launches innovative programme

An innovative financial services graduate programme, which sees 35 top graduates stay in or return to Wales to gain experience with top employers- as well as a Master’s degree- has been launched in an event at the University of South Wales.

Welsh Government Finance Secretary, Mark Drakeford, joined the organisers of the Welsh Financial Services Graduate Programme and participating employers, to welcome the newest members of one of the country’s highest growth sectors.

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, creating an elite talent pool that it is hoped will support the growth of indigenous companies and attract further businesses to establish a presence in Wales.
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.

“We are certain that each of those joining us here today will find this a unique and rewarding undertaking, and that like all of the graduates who have preceded them, they will emerge from the scheme as well-rounded, sought-after professionals who can provide the future lifeblood for this valuable sector.”

Since first launching in 2013, the programme has recruited and developed over 70 graduates, 95 percent 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.

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.”

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.

This includes Briony Davies from Pontypridd, who graduated from Cardiff University before deciding to apply for the Welsh Financial Services Graduate Programme. Speaking at the event, Briony said: “I’ve always been interested in working in the financial sector, but as a graduate of Human Geography, I was put off studying a Master’s degree in finance or business due to my lack of experience in the sector. Then came across the Programme and discovered that it catered for graduates from a variety of degree disciplines.

“Wales has always been home for me, and as a Welsh speaker, I long to utilise the language throughout my career. Now I can gain experience and knowledge working with a range of financial companies here in Wales, while studying for a fully-funded Master’s.” Participating companies include some of Wales’ largest financial organisations and a growing number of ambitious 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.

Romeo Embolo also studied at Cardiff University where he gained numerous qualifications in Information Security Systems and privacy of information. Speaking at the event, Mr Embolo, said: “The financial services industry is diverse, so the career opportunities it offers aren’t restricted to finance and economics graduates. This programme attracted me because it provides insights into all the career paths that exist in the sector. For example, cyber security is crucial in this sector, and as a technology graduate I’ll be working to protect people’s private data.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matthew Parr .