Multrees Investor Services’ apprenticeship programme encourages new blood into the sector and supports individuals in shaping their own futures.

A growing company based in the capital with a recently opened hub in Glasgow, Multrees became an apprentice employer in 2014 and has since hired 11 apprentices, around ten per cent of the overall workforce.

During the recruiting process Multrees partners with the apprentice and learning provider QA to decide on the optimum qualification, based on career aspirations, and ultimately all apprentices are placed into open roles.

The company provides training in mental health, apprentices support the “Change for the Better” diversity and inclusion network, while a partnership with a volunteering organisation has given apprentices the opportunity to support community activities such as food banks.

Multrees’ efforts have seen the firm recognised as a finalist in the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards on 8 March, in the SME Employer of the Year category sponsored by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Multrees’ chief people officer Carole Lamond pointed to a Financial Services Modern Apprentice in the operations team as an example of the company’s people development ethos.

She said: “The colleague had a desire to move into marketing. As we grew we created a new marketing assistant role and the colleague was supported into that by adding graphic design and digital marketing to their skills set.

“They now partner with our external PR agency, facilitate events and support colleagues in other areas of the company such as recording induction content that we could use while remote working.

“That’s just one example of a Modern Apprentice who has grown with the company – we identified where their career aspirations were and now they are training further in that area to broaden their skills base.”

The company also introduced a bespoke performance management and engagement system to record feedback between managers and apprentices, which helps identify training and development needs, builds their personal development plans and focuses on career aspirations.

Apprentices undertake either Providing Financial Services Level 6 or Digital Application Support Level 6 qualifications, both central to the company’s future growth plans.

Multrees Modern Apprentices are offered a role upon successful completion of their apprenticeship, all having undertaken the Chartered Institute of Securities affiliate membership. Multrees also provides financial incentives for completion of the CISI exam pathway.

Over 12,000 employers support Scottish Apprenticeships, which are work-based learning opportunities or jobs with industry-recognised qualifications. Designed with employers for employers, Scottish Apprenticeships are demand-led and responsive to regional skills needs.

Carole Lamond added: “Our people managers recognise the value apprentices can bring to the company. Those people go on to become advocates and mentors for the new apprentices joining the business.”

The winner of the SME Employer of the Year category will be revealed at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which is organised by Skills Development Scotland and set to take place during Scottish Apprenticeship Week from 6-10 March.