Monmouthshire Building Society’s innovative Community Academy nominated for award
The ground-breaking initiative, which is aimed at creating real career opportunities in financial services, has been nominated for the Creativity and Innovation category at the HR in Wales Awards.
The MBS Community Academy offers six paid entry-level placements for a duration of 12 months, providing academy colleagues with the skills and knowledge to kickstart their careers.
The Community Academy is open to anyone over the age of 16, with no upper age limit. The Society removed any requirement to have a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent to apply, opening opportunities to people who might not have thought about working in financial services.
Beverley Flood, Head of People at Monmouthshire Building Society, joined by Kristy Maloney, Head of Retail said: “We’re committed to building a thriving workforce that is representative of our communities. However, we often find it hard to connect with the talent that we know is out there.
“People in our communities have told us they don’t feel financial services is for people like them, they don’t have the qualifications needed to apply, or that the application process is too complicated. We listened to that feedback and created our MBS Community Academy to tackle those challenges head-on and to embrace the opportunity to break down those real and perceived barriers people face when they are trying to find employment.”
Sixteen year old Alesha Amin started her career last September through the Community Academy initiative. She said: “When I heard about the academy it seemed like a great opportunity to learn on the job, gain a qualification and earn some money. I liked what the Society had to say about supporting members, meeting new people and the opportunities to grow your career with an organisation that cares about people.
“I’m really enjoying my placement. I love meeting new colleagues and members. I’ve learned such a lot since I started and it’s been good to be hands on supporting members.”
Finley Kelly, from Penarth, is another Community Academy colleague. He added:
“I’d just finished studying IT with Cardiff and Vale college and didn’t know what to do next. I knew I was ready to start working but didn’t know what to do, or where to start.
“Working with the Society has given me the chance to learn a lot. It’s challenging but I’m trusted and supported to go at a pace that works for me. I love the freedom and flexibility to schedule your work as an adult – not like in college where I still felt like I was in school.”
As well as on the job learning, Community Academy colleagues are working towards gaining an NVQ Level 2 in Customer Services.
At the end of the placement, candidates will have the opportunity to apply for any permanent roles available at the Society.
The HR Awards Wales winners will be announced on Friday 14th March.
