AJ Bell launches apprenticeship scheme

Manchester-headquartered AJ Bell, one of the UK’s fastest-growing online investment platforms, has launched an apprenticeship scheme as it looks to develop the next generation of talent.

The first intake sees nine people from across the North West begin their training at the company’s new HQ in Salford Quays.

They have enrolled on a two-year course leading to a professional qualification from the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

All nine have completed their A-levels but wanted to work and train as an alternative to university.

They are Tobias Hill, Daniel Eachus and Nathan Doyle, Ryan Meredith, Ben Eastham, Adam Haydock, Bethany Cassell, Max Maudsley, and Charlie Yates.

AJ Bell, which provides online pension, investment and stockbroking services to more than 155,000 customers in the UK, has teamed up with training provider Kaplan to deliver the programme.

Andy Bell, the company’s chief executive, said: “We’re very excited to launch our first apprenticeship programme.

“It underlines our commitment to recruiting highly-motivated young people from the local area. We look forward to helping our first intake to develop successful careers within the business.

“The bespoke training will be delivered by our own experts and other technical specialists, and each apprentice has been assigned a mentor to support them throughout their training.”

AJ Bell employs 650 people, 500 of whom are based at its 93,000sq ft headquarters at Exchange Quay, which opened earlier this year.