Chief executive Marlene Shiels said: “We’ve been employing apprentices for 10 years and I’ve been hugely impressed with their hard work and ability.

“We have had a mix of foundation, modern and graduate apprentices and they have all contributed greatly to our success.

“They have embraced the challenge of working in a fast-paced and highly regulated financial services environment and have all thrived, taking on increasingly important and responsible roles.”

The four have come to CCU via different routes and the programme has allowed them to combine work with studying, with both Marta Lindner and Michael Anderson progressing from Foundation to Graduate Apprenticeships and undertaking Business Management with Financial Services degrees at Heriot Watt University. Noah Etherington is a Modern Apprentice, which he started through a programme offered by Strathclyde University and Genius People. 

Robbie McDermid joined CCU on a Foundation Apprenticeship offered in a partnership between his school and Edinburgh College. He is now working part time and is in his third year of an Accountancy and Finance degree at Heriot Watt.

He said: “The combination of practical work experience and further academic studies has been such a valuable opportunity.

“The team at CCU has been so supportive and colleagues have really helped me gain knowledge and develop my skills across a range of issues.

“Going straight from school to university doesn’t suit everyone and the apprenticeship route has served me really well. I would highly recommend it.”

Ms Shiels added: “This is such an important scheme that provides opportunities for young people to enhance their skills and develop their careers.

“We will continue employing apprentices going forward and greatly value their contributions to our business.”