100 new bank apprenticeship jobs welcomed by the First Minister

The First Minister Carwyn Jones has welcomed the news that Barclays Bank is to create 100 new youth apprenticeship jobs in branches across Wales with the support of the Welsh Government.

The apprentices will be delivered through ACT Training which holds the largest Welsh Government contract for apprenticeships. As well as creating apprenticeship jobs in branches, the bank has also made a commitment to promoting apprenticeship schemes to its business customers.

Speaking at an event to mark the end of Apprenticeship Week at the ACT Training HQ in Cardiff, the First Minister highlighted that the Welsh Government has announced a further £20 million for apprenticeships for the next two financial years.  

The First Minister said:

"I am delighted to welcome the commitment of Barclays Bank to deliver more apprenticeships in Wales.

"Barclays Bank and ACT Training will be providing financial services apprenticeships in Wales, a move that can only help secure a strong financial services sector in this country.

"The Welsh Government’s absolute priority in these tough times is to create jobs and grow our economy. Making sure our young people have all the opportunities possible is a key part of this. That is why this week we have announced an extra £20 million for apprenticeships in Wales over the next two years.

"I want to see more people, particularly young people, having the opportunity to benefit from an apprenticeship and one of our aims is to increase the number of businesses taking on apprentices."

John Union, Barclays’ head of corporate banking in Wales, said:

"As well as creating job opportunities for thousands of youngsters who are struggling to find work in these challenging economic times, the scheme will help to inject talent and foster growth across Welsh businesses."

Andrew Cooksley, managing director of ACT, said:

"Apprenticeships not only deliver real returns to a company’s bottom line, helping them to be more competitive and improve their productivity, but they can also be much more cost-effective that hiring skilled staff as they require lower overall training and recruitment costs. Apprentices tend to be eager, motivated, flexible and loyal to the company that has invested in them. They also deliver skills that are designed around the business’ individual needs, providing the skilled workers that the company needs for the future."