Apprenticeships will play a vital role in helping people progress in the financial services sector as they allow individuals of all ages to gain qualifications and skills that will allow them to thrive in the industry.

That is according to Liz Field, chief executive at the Financial Services Council, who told Business Matters that work training programmes have to be protected by the government.

Young people need to be given another option to further their chosen career, which is why the programmes are important, she stated.

"Financial Services is strategically important to the UK economy as it competes in a global marketplace and it relies on talent and skills to remain competitive," Ms Field added.

According to the news source, Vince Cable recently outlined the vital role the programmes will play in ensuring the UK retains its core skills in the wake of rising unemployment and an increase in tuition fees.

Last week, marketing and communications director at the National Apprenticeship Service Josie Perry noted work training schemes produce employees who are ready to enter the jobs market.

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