The first three apprentices employed at Nedbank Private Wealth have marked the end of their first year with a triple success.

Jess Ward and Jack Leasor, who are employed in the IT department have successfully completed the first year of the Level 4 BTEC HNC in Computing.

Banking apprentice Oliver Morris celebrated the completion of his Level 3 Professional Banker Certificate by becoming a permanent member of the bank’s operations team.

These are the first three apprentices that Nedbank Private Wealth has supported through the Isle of Man Apprenticeship Scheme.

Oliver, 20, from Onchan, joined the bank’s operations team in August 2017, and he was followed by Jess, 19, from Colby and Jack, 19, from Douglas, who both joined in September 2017 through the Manx Information Communication Technology Association (MICTA).

Lynn Kelly, senior learning and development executive at Nedbank Private Wealth, said: ’We are delighted to congratulate Jess, Jack and Oliver on their success.

’This has been a great start to the apprenticeship scheme for us and we are currently looking to recruit three more apprentices over the next 12 months.

’We understand how important it is to develop and retain professional skills in the Manx economy, and this scheme offers a great opportunity for young people to continue their education and gain qualifications without leaving the island.

’Our three trainees have become valued members of the Nedbank Private Wealth team, while developing new skills and building experience which will be beneficial throughout their careers. We are delighted to continue with the scheme and are currently looking for three new apprentices to join our banking and marketing departments.’

Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to gain the skills and technical knowledge needed to enter the workplace. The Government has led the way in vocational training, supporting apprenticeships in the Isle of Man for many years and expanding from traditional trades to new sectors to reflect the needs of the Island’s modern, diverse economy.

The Isle of Man apprenticeship scheme has been running in its current form since 2007, while the MICTA scheme was launched in August 2016. More information on the apprenticeship schemes available can be found at: www.gov.im/categories/education-training-and-careers/apprenticeships and

www.micta.im/apprenticeships

From left to right: Lynn Kelly, senior learning and development executive; apprentices Jack Leasor, Oliver Morris and Jess Ward; and Grace Eames, head of human resources at Nedbank Private Wealth