Member Article

AJ Bell expands apprenticeships

Investment platform AJ Bell has recruited six new apprentices and plans to expand its range of programmes for young trainees over the next 12 months.

AJ Bell launched its apprenticeship programme a year ago and the second scheme has now begun with six teenagers enrolling at the company’s Salford Quays headquarters.

They are 18-year-olds Thea Losa, from Macclesfield, Lewis Roddy, from Urmston in Greater Manchester, Alexandra Smail, of Stockport, and Jack Ward, from Runcorn, along with Amelia Hegarty and Joel Rostron, who are both 19 and from Preston.

The two-year programme will see the group work in AJ Bell’s customer service department while studying for the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment’s operations certificate.

Their training is designed to develop their knowledge of the financial services industry and the AJ Bell business, its systems and processes, investment products, client service and relationships, as well as their communication and team-working skills.

Each member of the group will be mentored by one of the apprentices who joined the company last year.

Training provider Kaplan is once again working with AJ Bell to deliver the programme. Lucy Kidson, AJ Bell’s apprentice programme leader, said: “We are really excited to welcome our latest intake to the business.

“Our inaugural group have been a huge success in terms of the enthusiasm and commitment they have brought to their work and their studies, and are proof that apprenticeships really do work for employers and learners alike.

“We are looking forward to seeing our six new apprentices learn and grow at an exciting time for the company.”

She added: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young people to start their career journeys with AJ Bell, and we are looking forward to launching apprenticeship programmes in other areas of the business over the next 12 months.”

AJ Bell provides online pension, investment and stockbroking services to more than 183,000 customers in the UK.

The company employs more than 600 people at its 93,000sq ft headquarters at Exchange Quay, and over 700 in total. It is ranked as one of The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For in the UK.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by AJ Bell .