Monmouthshire Building Society Academy graduates move into permanent roles

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Members of Monmouthshire Building Society’s Community Academy have completed the organisation’s 18-month training programme, with four of the six participants securing permanent roles at the Newport-based mutual.

The Community Academy was established to provide paid entry-level opportunities for people new to the financial services sector. As part of the initiative, the Society removed traditional entry barriers such as GCSE requirements and prior industry experience, opening applications to people aged 16 and over.

Forty candidates applied, with six ultimately selected for the programme.

During the course, trainees worked across a range of departments within the Building Society while completing an NVQ Level 2 qualification.

The qualification was delivered by training provider Educ8, with KidCare4U also supporting the programme.

Following completion of the scheme, four graduates have accepted permanent roles within Monmouthshire Building Society.

Seventeen-year-old Sami-ul Islam from Newport has joined a branch team, while 19-year-old Fin Kelly from Penarth has secured a role in the marketing department.

Alesha Amin, 18, from Newport will join the Society’s people team, and 19-year-old Syras Ali has taken up a permanent position within the treasury team.

Kristy Maloney, Head of Savings at Monmouthshire Building Society and lead for the Community Academy, said: “It is so amazing to see our Academy members graduate today. Seeing them grow, develop and flourish in the different departments around the Society over the last 18 months has been so rewarding.

“It’s also great to see so many of our graduates get jobs within the Society while other others move on to promising jobs with other employers with the career foundations they have gained with us, is really gratifying to see.

“I am extremely proud of every single one of them and am looking forward to seeing their careers grow and flourish.”

Community Academy graduate Sami-ul Islam said: “Over the past 18 months I’ve had the opportunity to work in the contact centre where I learnt about the different products and offerings we have for customers.

“After applying for the Community Associate role, I’m excited to be moving into a branch-based position. I’m looking forward to taking on new challenges and working directly with customers.”