Monmouthshire Building Society wins award for innovative Community Academy

The MBS Community Academy has been recognised for its innovation, winning the Creativity and Innovation category at the HR in Wales awards.

The initiative, which is aimed at creating real career opportunities in financial services 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 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.

“We are absolutely delighted to have won this award which recognises the real difference we’re aiming to make to recruitment in financial services. The Community Academy embraces the opportunity to break down real and perceived barriers that people face when they are trying to find employment and we’re proud to be making a real change.”

Seventeen year old Alesha Amin started her career through the Community Academy initiative last September. 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.”

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 MBS Community Academy has also been nominated for a British HR Awards, which will be announced in April.