29 Jan 2010

Sylvia Perrins, CEO NSAFS, comments on Boris Johnson’s statement at Davos to bankers

Sylvia Perrins, CEO of the National Skills Academy for Financial Services (NSAFS) welcomed Mr Johnson’s comments: “As large employers, banks can have a big role in creating genuine opportunities for young people. Banks who are interested in taking on young people should use structured training schemes that offer real career benefits.

“Apprenticeships can be an offer genuine opportunities for non-graduates and provide a business solution for the employer as it provide the opportunity to ensure they have the right skills for the business. Although apprenticeships are new to the financial services sector and employers are beginning to discover how good they can be for their staff and their companies. Apprenticeships can also be a spring board for further study such as Bachelor’s degrees.”

At Bank of New York Mellon, for example, the Advanced Apprenticeship scheme developed by the Bank and the NSAFS with the Manchester Skills Solutions – the lead training provider for the NSAFS in the North West, has created career opportunities, with 75% of apprentices securing more senior roles after taking part in the scheme.

National Apprenticeship Week is taking place next week and runs from 1st February.

If you would like to speak to Sylvia about apprenticeships in the financial services sector as well as other skills solutions or interview case studies of apprentices.

Notes to Editors:
1. The National Skills Academy for Financial Services is a registered charity which was created with the express purpose of delivering world-class education and training aligned with employer needs in the financial services industry to people of all age groups and learning backgrounds, helping them to prepare for and develop financial services careers.
2. Individual learners and organisations who are interested in finding out more about the range of financial services training on offer through NSAFS, should contact 0845 6182353 or by email to info@nsafs.co.uk
3. An introduction to funding options is provided in Sylvia’s latest blog: http://www.nsafs.co.uk/blog/funding-opportunities-for-new-talent

For further information please contact:
Sarah Evans-Toyne/Tania Vie Riba/Saira Khan (Broadgate Mainland) 020 7726 6111 or email nsafs@broadgatemainland.com