CISI and Fitch launch programme to fast track students into financial services apprenticeships

By ESG Clarity

CISI and Fitch Learning have come together to offer diverse young people an opportunity to gain the fast-tracked CISI Level 2 Award for free, as well as employability training.

As part of their new Financial Services Career Accelerator education programme being offered in January and then April next year, students can embark on the 10-week training programme, which the firms hope will lead to 50% of them continuing into apprenticeships with Fitch Learning client firms.

“We hope this will be a breakthrough programme to support socio-economic diversity and will provide a gateway for the next generation of young financial services professionals,” said CISI chief executive Tracy Vegro.

The Financial Services Career Accelerator programme has been designed to provide students with the necessary skills base, knowledge and confidence to apply for apprenticeships irrespective of their backgrounds or any other characteristics, the firms said, while also opening up pathways into financial services for underrepresented young talent.

Andreas Karaiskos, CEO of Fitch Learning, commented: “Our intent and aspiration are to use the power of education to widen the participation in financial services. We are pleased to build on our strong relationships with the leading employers in the sector, and our trusted partnership with the CISI to be able to deliver what we hope will be a transformational programme for participants.”

For students who successfully complete the CISI qualifications and undertake a Fitch apprenticeship, Fitch will support their CISI professional body membership so the students can demonstrate to employers they are receiving ongoing learning support.

The first cohort of students will be selected from London state secondary schools and colleges, before being rolled out to other areas in England.