National Apprenticeship Week
Celebrating the impact of apprentices on individuals, employers and the community
“Skills for life”
We are proud to support National Apprenticeship Week, a week which encourages everyone to consider and celebrate how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for rewarding careers, and help businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with skills for the future.
Through the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme, our ASPIRE Programme, and work to date with upReach and 10,000 Interns Foundation, we are giving individuals the opportunity to realise their potential, bring innovation and develop the skills needed to kick start their careers.
Supporting SMEs by helping fund new apprentices
Since 2015 Close Brothers has been supporting apprenticeships through its SME Apprentice Programme. The programme contributes to the funding of new apprentices in the manufacturing and transport sectors in and around the Midlands, helping local SMEs to secure the skills they need for the future.
Click here to find out more and meet some of our apprentices
Insight into the Close Brothers SME Apprentice Programme
UK’s SMEs believe apprentices are solution to UK’s skills gap crisis
The power of apprenticeships
Supporting ethnic diversity and social mobility
Our work to date with upReach and 10,000 Black Interns Foundation demonstrates our commitment to supporting ethnic diversity and social mobility in the workplace. Last summer 32 students took part in our six-week internship programme. This programme continues to have a positive impact on broadening our talent pool for entry-level roles, with interns applying for and successfully securing permanent roles within Close Brothers.
Meet Lanre Adeyemi, part of our 10,000 Black Interns cohort Summer 2022
Providing opportunity
Our ASPIRE trainees entered their second year of the programme in October 2024 and they continue to gain experience across different business areas in Close Brothers. This programme gives school leavers the opportunity to start and progress their careers here.
