Wales Economy Minister meets with Financial Service Leaders on Graduate Schemes

Wales’ Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, attended a roundtable discussion today with Atradius, ABI and other Financial Services industry leaders to discuss the future of the triple-award-winning Welsh Financial Services Graduate Programme, when funding via the European Social Fund ends later this year.

In attendance at the roundtable discussion with Vaughan Gething included Stuart Ramsden (UK & Ireland regional director), Anne Middleton (head of HR), and April Lester (Senior HR Business Partner) from Atradius, business leaders from ABI (who organised the session), and members of the Financial Services consortium including Ian Praed of Pepper Money, Simon Stevenson from NFU Mutual, Lisa Winter from Zurich, and Sandra Busby, MD of Cnect, at the Atradius Head Office in Cardiff Bay.

The main topic of conversation for the roundtable was the future of funding for the Welsh Financial Services Graduate Programme. Run by Cnect on behalf of the Financial Services Consortium, the programme is a vital recruitment and talent development pathway for access into the Financial Services sector in Wales. Over 70% of graduates continuing into a career in Financial Services in South Wales upon completion of the programme – many within the companies that support the programme.

The Welsh Financial Services Graduate Programme has become a valuable tool for the Welsh Financial Services sector, giving a return on investment of £135 million since its inception ten years ago. Offering graduates the opportunity to work in multiple Financial Services organisations across a two year period, the Programme works with 14 sector leaders as a gateway into the sector, with 98% of programme graduates moving straight into permanent employment as a result of the scheme. 

Anne Middleton, Head of HR UK & Ireland at Atradius, comments:

“Programmes like Welsh Financial Services Graduate Programme are vital for securing the future talent pool in the Welsh Financial Services sector, so meeting with the Economy Minister was a positive step towards safeguarding its future. It is also recognition for the significant contribution made by a consortium of Financial Services Employers in Wales to nurture and retain top graduate talent, coupled with Welsh Governments clear desire to assist in the development of skills to meet employer needs, the consortium remain hopeful that Welsh Government will help find a way to future proof the programme for Wales. The consortium was appreciative of the Minister’s time and look forward to seeing what form the support of Welsh Government will take.”