SKIPTON MP Julian Smith has praised a leading financial services business for its training commitment after meeting 11 new apprentices.

Mr Smith visited Skipton Building Society's head office to learn more about its apprenticeship programme and its plans to take on more trainees.

He said: “As the largest employer in my constituency, it’s fantastic that Skipton has an apprenticeship scheme. Having the experience of working in different departments is very useful."

For the first time, external recruits have joined existing employees to start a three-year apprenticeship scheme called Connecting Our Future, during which they will be able to learn many aspects of the financial services industry.

Rachel Fawcett, Skipton’s chief human resources officer, said: “Connecting our Future is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is interested in a career in the financial services industry. It is a three-year programme, during which participants will gain experience across the business while undertaking an apprenticeship relevant to their career ambitions.

“We obviously want to attract talent for the future, but the main reason is community related in that we want to give young people a viable alternative to university to allow them to start their careers with us straight from school while still achieving a qualification in the form of an apprenticeship."

SBS will be advertising for next year's apprentice intake at the end of 2015 and applications will be accepted from December to end of January. Anyone requiring more information should email early careers manager Laura Allen at laura.allen@skipton.co.uk or call 01756 70500.