Network 75 is a University of South Wales coordinated programme that gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working in their desired sector, whilst also attaining a fully sponsored degree.

The Society has been a host company for the Network 75 programme since 2012 and currently have five students working within the Society.

Jordan West, one of the Society’s current Network 75 students, commented on managing the balance of working with the Society at our head office in Newport and his studies:

“I am coming up to the end of my first year with Monmouthshire Building Society and I have developed a lot since starting. The Society has given me, and the other Network 75 students the opportunity to move around several departments at their head office, spending six months in each. As a student who isn’t sure what business area to go into, this is a very generous offer and very advantageous opportunity.

“So far, I have spent time in both the Underwriting and Marketing departments and will soon move into the Society’s HR team. During my time working in the Underwriting and Marketing departments I have been very involved in various areas of their core processes. Doing anything from communicating with customers, brokers and solicitors, and case management duties, to product/market research and product management tasks in Marketing.

“The Society has enhanced my understanding of financial services, using and developing my core employability skills and applying what I am learning in university to the workplace.

“If it wasn’t for the Society sponsoring me through the Network 75 programme, I would not have gone to university due to high costs involved and the lack of work experience students come out with at the end of their studies. Working at the society has enabled me to further my academic studies and increase my employability levels dramatically, setting me up very positively for the future.”

Lucy Burgess, the Society’s Head of HR, commented: “The Network 75 scheme is a fantastic way for students to complete their degree (which is fully funded by the Society) and gain five years’ work experience.

“Network 75 students at the Society are either based in one department relevant to their degree or for Business Management students take part in a rotational placement scheme spending six-months in departments across the Society. Our students are hardworking, enthusiastic and really become part of the Society, it’s great to see them grow and develop their skills.

“We are proud to be part of this unique scheme and look forward to welcoming more students to the Society.”