The new getinto.finance digital platform, which is backed by Scotland’s colleges and universities, was developed in response to a demand for simple, joined up career information and guidance from the financial sector, about the financial sector.

Despite finance being one of Scotland’s largest sectors, research indicates that many Scots are deterred from the sector due to lack of awareness about careers or negative preconceptions.

A recent survey from SFE and communications agency Citypress found 40% of people in Scotland do not believe they have the right qualifications to work in financial services, while almost a quarter of people (24%) believe the industry is elitist.

SFE has created the getinto.finance hub to encourage more people, particularly those from under-represented or disadvantaged backgrounds, to learn about career opportunities, qualifications, and employers in the sector.

Scotland’s highly skilled workforce is one of the primary reasons international financial and professional services firms choose to locate here, and equipping more people with the skills of the future is a key plank of SFE’s sector growth strategy, which aims to unlock £7bn GVA for the Scottish economy by 2028.

The hub will launch at an event at Barclays Glasgow Campus on Tuesday with SFE members and education partners and young people, including a keynote speech from Scottish Government Minister for Further and Higher Education Graeme Dey.

Ahead of the launch of the getinto.finance digital skills hub, Scottish Financial Enterprise’s Programme Director, Christina Anthoulaki, said: “Scotland’s hugely talented workforce is one of the main reasons so many financial and professional services firms are choosing to locate here.

“But people of all ages, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are missing out on a rewarding career in the sector because they do not believe they have the skills or qualifications to succeed.

“getinto.finance aims to challenge these views and encourage more people to learn about what the sector does, the role it plays in our economy, the variety of opportunities available and the skills and qualifications required.”

Further Education Minister Graeme Dey, said: “Scotland’s financial and professional services sector plays a significant role to our economy and employs nearly 150,000 people across the country. It also has a global reputation, which has been built on through over 300 years of leadership, innovation and talent.

“The Scottish Government is working with the sector to ensure that this vital industry continues to grow for the years ahead.

“A key aspect of this is to nurture homegrown talent from all walks of life by providing them with the necessary skills they need to succeed in the industry, which is why we are proud to support the Skills Hub alongside the Scottish Financial Enterprise.”

Colin Halpin, managing director, global head of market data management at Barclays and SFE board sponsor for skills and inclusion, said: “The need for a skills hub to help people learn about careers and pathways in the sector was identified in our 2022 Skills Action Plan, and its development and delivery has been a key pillar of our strategy work over the last two years.

“getinto.finance will be a valuable platform for large organisations like Barclays, helping us reach more people across Scotland and develop our inclusive workforce.”