The first group of sixth form pupils to study for a new finance qualification in Liverpool are starting their studies.
The Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) has funded a teaching post for two years to enable sixth form students to study for a Diploma in Finance, Risk and Investment.
The CISI Diploma has been specifically designed to be taught in schools and colleges and aims to develop students’ financial awareness and boost their CVs with an industry recognised award.
It is a combined partnership initiative between CISI, Archbishop Beck Catholic College, Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool Learning Partnership to encourage and enable young people to access careers in the financial services industry and also to improve financial literacy.
Councillor Jane Corbett, Cabinet member for education, said: “This is a really good qualification which will be offered to our young people, giving them a chance to develop a real knowledge and understanding the world of finance as well as the chance to make a positive contribution to the sector.
“CISI is a professional body that is based in the City of London which promotes the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the securities and investment industry. So it has been exciting to work with them, Liverpool’s finance and wealth management sector including firms such as Rathbones and Investec and the Liverpool Learning Partnership.
“The professional and financial services industry has been identified as a real area of potential growth by Lord Heseltine and Terry Leahy in their recent Rebalancing Britain report about the City Region and we hope this qualification will give Liverpool young people a competitive advantage when they are looking for job and training opportunities.”
“It is also really important that our young people understand the importance of responsible finance and how investment and wealth institutions impact on our everyday lives.”
The initiative is being backed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards.
Archbishop Welby said: “The financial crisis not only hurt us economically, it also damaged trust throughout many areas of society.
“This damage may take a generation to repair, so it’s wonderful that young people are being given the opportunity to learn about finance within a solid framework of ethics, integrity and social awareness.”
Paul Dickinson, Head of Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College said: “We are very proud to be part of this innovative project that will inspire students to follow a career in finance.
“Many students are reviewing their decision that the only way to develop a career in a professional organisation is through university.
“For many students this will be the most effective route but by achieving the CISI Diploma and gaining invaluable work experience in the industry it may lead to other opportunities.”
Ruth Martin, CISI Managing Director, said: “We are delighted that the CISI’s Education Trust is working with Liverpool’s schools, demonstrating our commitment to encouraging wide access to the industry.
“We are delighted to be working with the College, Liverpool City Council and the Liverpool Learning Partnership to deliver an excellent learning experience and help students to improve their knowledge of the financial services sector, giving them the edge in their job search.”