NatWest launches Digital & Innovation Apprenticeship programme

NatWest has become the first UK bank to launch a bespoke Digital & Innovation Apprenticeship programme designed to support highly talented individuals from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Developed in partnership with social mobility charity, Leadership Through Sport & Business (LTSB), participants will undertake a four-year paid apprenticeship working across the NatWest Ventures and digital teams and simultaneously complete a fully funded degree.

Applicants came from a range of communities across a number of London boroughs. The shortlisted candidates embarked on a month-long Boot Camp in September with support from companies including Google, CapCo, Salesforce and West Ham United, where they were assessed on their decision-making and influencing traits and digital skills. Ten successful apprentices were selected and they will begin working at NatWest on the 1st of November. Plans are now in place to roll out the Apprenticeship programme nationwide.

Commenting on the launch of the first NatWest Digital & Innovation Apprenticeship programme NatWest Head of Ventures Andy Ellis said:

“This programme is about helping young adults in the communities we work in – who otherwise may have been overlooked in traditional application processes – reach their potential. We are committed to ensuring we provide the learning and coaching our new apprentices need so that they can excel in their new roles, while putting them in the best position to be successful going forward. We are very proud to be in a position where we can help make a difference in these apprentice’s personal and professional futures, whilst also learning more from them on how we can make our business better.”

Also commenting Caroline Adair Caroline Adair CEO, LTSB said: “Social mobility is one of the biggest problems we face, and the leadership that NatWest has shown here is essential to addressing it. Bright young people from under-represented backgrounds should have access to roles equal to their ambition and ability – it’s good for society, and it’s good for the bottom line too. The commitment from the NatWest team across the board has been really inspiring: they know what it takes to make a difference. Everyone at LTSB is so proud to have been part of this programme, and we’re really looking forward to continuing to support these fantastic new recruits as they start their careers!”