Shawbrook Bank offers Forest Gate students insight into apprenticeships
In the run-up to National Apprenticeship Week, students from St Bonaventure’s Catholic School in Forest Gate were visited by Shawbrook employees and apprentices to grow their understanding of careers in the finance sector, and where studying an apprenticeship can take you.
The 23 students from across Year 12 and 13 were introduced to Sameeha, who is currently studying an apprenticeship with Shawbrook. They were able to find out more about why she chose this pathway, what her day-to-day life looks like, and ask any questions about apprenticeships.
The workshop also gave students an insight into working in finance, and in particular the breadth of opportunities available at Shawbrook. Alongside this they explored workplace skills and how to stand out at interview, learning more about the value of personal branding.
“I enjoyed the amount of useful information which had been provided to us which I thought benefited my knowledge greatly about degree apprenticeships allowing me to possibly consider taking that specific route.” - St Bonaventure's student.
Sameeha, who is currently in her second year of her technology apprenticeship and joined Shawbrook through Thrive, the organisation’s apprenticeship scheme, gave her tips and advice on applying to the programme, and spoke about her life as an apprentice.
From learning about the application process, to understanding the progression opportunities an apprenticeship can open, we asked the students who attended what they learned about apprenticeships and how meeting Shawbrook apprentices and employees impacted them.
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Student 1
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Student 2
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Student 3
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Student 1
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Student 2
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Student 3
The impact of connections and meeting role models
After taking part in the workshop, 83% of students stated they were interested in apprenticeship programmes, whilst there was a 52% increase in students rating themselves a 4 or 5 out of 5 for their knowledge about apprenticeships.
Students specifically noted:
“I enjoyed those who presented as they were kind, relatable and answered all questions.”
“There was good communication with us and they were open with questions and quite flexible with their answers. The apprentice we spoke to had a lot of experience so it was easier to understand the process of how everything works.”
Employer partners take Future First's work to the next level
Shawbrook works with Future First because they believe passionately that all young people should be afforded the same opportunities, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Many young people don’t know other people doing jobs that they might be interested in, meaning they’re less likely to consider them as a viable option.
Abby Vaughan, Talent & Engagement Co-ordinator at Shawbrook, commented: "An apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to not only gain a qualification but to be immersed in on-the-job learning alongside experts. The students at St Bonaventure's were super engaged in the session and asked some great questions about apprenticeships at Shawbrook."
Learn more about Shawbrook's apprenticeship scheme Thrive here.
No one should be limited by their start in life
Future First partners with companies across the UK, to ‘unlock potential’ and increase socio-economic diversity in their workforce. We work with state schools and colleges to give learners the skills and opportunities to access professions and sectors that may previously have been gate kept. We support our employer partners to:
Create an inclusive and diverse workforce: Reach your future employees and put a spotlight on your sector: increase socio-economic diversity and unlock hidden talent.
Increase employee engagement and retention with volunteering: Give your employees meaningful and rewarding volunteering opportunities, such as giving talks in schools about their career.
Improve the community in which you operate: Inspire and support students local to your workplace in pursuit of their aspirations and goals.
Find Out More About Becoming an Employer Partner
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