HSBC's work‐experience scheme is a socially responsible winner : Pioneering apprenticeships also impress the judges

Purpose – This paper aims to chart the origins and workings of two award‐winning schemes at HSBC – its work‐experience scheme and its apprenticeship program. Design/methodology/approach – It details the reasons for the schemes, the form they take and the successes they have achieved. Findings – This study explains that the work‐experience program takes the form of structured one‐week work experience for each of the bank's major business areas – retail, commercial, operational or head office. It is designed to offer an early opportunity for young people to find out more about the type of work the bank does and the career opportunities available. The HSBC apprenticeship program, meanwhile, offers the chance for people aged 16 upwards to get on to the career ladder, and gain new skills and professional qualifications while earning a salary. Practical implications – The paper demonstrates to school pupils that they may not have to go to university in order to have a good career in a bank, and that they can still gain a professional qualification, following an apprenticeship. Social implications – It highlights two programs that are helping to make HSBC's workforce more diverse. Originality/value – The paper discusses two programs that are seeking to open up banking careers to a wider section of the community.