LV= opens financial apprenticeship - graduate jobs

University leavers frustrated with the competition for graduate schemes may consider a change of career with LV='s financial services apprenticeship.

The insurance, investment and retirement group plans to take on more apprentices during the next year to join the current 150 participants on the programme.

More than 50 staff members have graduated since the 12-month scheme was launched in 2008, and all received an NVQ level two and a Chartered Institute of Insurance (CII) foundation qualification.

Another option is LV='s advanced apprenticeship programme, which awards successful participants a further NVQ and CII qualification after a year.

The group has more than 70 people on this scheme, which includes work placements in two different business areas and modules in customer service, insurance and leadership.

As well as on the job training, apprentices must spend 50 hours of their own time studying and completing project work each month, and meet with assessors for coaching every four weeks.

Participants will be sponsored by LV= and the Government throughout the programme, and can work at six regional offices: Bournemouth, Croydon, Bristol, Exeter, Ipswich and Hitchin.

To become an apprentice graduates must first secure a job with LV=, which is currently recruiting for 200 vacancies, and apply after six months with the company.