A UK-WIDE financial services firm has proven that it’s on the money with youth employment through a major award win.

Prudential UK was named as Skills Development Scotland’s Youth Employer of the Month for July.

The company, which is based in Stirling, was recognised for its efforts in creating opportunities for local young people, having recruited over 200 modern apprentices across the business.

The company currently offers foundation apprenticeships, modern apprenticeships and a traineeship programme.

Hazel Boyle, HR director at Prudential UK, said: “As a business we recognise that apprenticeships are an important way of developing our skills base while also helping create more options for talented young people to lay the foundations for a rewarding career beyond the classroom.”

Prudential UK’s apprenticeship programme launched in 2012 to help the company identify new talent for the business.

Around 80 per cent of apprentices go on to secure permanent positions with the firm, with the rest either continuing with employment with other employers or going into further education.

The Stirling offices have 11 modern apprentices in roles including marketing executives, sales support executives, risk analysts, financial reporting and digital journey coordinators.

The current apprentices are due to graduate in October, with a new cohort joining the business in the coming months.

Prudential also support the foundation apprenticeship programme, offering placements for high school pupils studying towards the Financial Services qualification through Forth Valley College.

The firm’s traineeship programme, delivered in partnership between Skills Development Scotland and QA Training, this year gave 10 young people who were not in employment, education or training the chance to gain work experience and employability skills.

Six out of the 10 trainees were based in the Stirling office.

Hazel added: “We have just recruited our 2018 apprentice cohort due to start in September, with a range of opportunities available across the business, confirming our ongoing commitment to youth employment, social inclusion and contributing to the communities in which we operate.”

SDS head of employer services Marion Beattie said: “Having worked with Prudential UK for some time, it is fantastic to see their efforts in youth employment being recognised. I am very proud of the team for their achievements.”

Chairman of SDS, John F McClelland CBE, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone at Prudential UK for their impressive commitment to helping young people into employment.

“Their support of both foundation and modern apprenticeships, as well as their traineeship programme, show that there are lots of ways in which to develop young talent.”