Accessibility Tools
Accessibility Tools

Emerging Talent

Emerging Talent Programmes

One of the UK’s largest building societies, for over 150 years, we’ve provided real help with real life. For us, as a building society, it means helping people to have a place to call home, helping them towards greater financial wellbeing, and creating long-term value for our members.

We’ve designed our Emerging Talent Programmes to help you turn your strengths and interests into an exciting and challenging career. We’ll give you the opportunities you need to experiment, learn and develop. We’ll also champion and support you every step of the way, so you can be your brilliant self.

At YBS, we value colleagues from a range of backgrounds and the diversity of thoughts that brings. If you’ve recently left school or college or have graduated from university, we’ve a range of opportunities to get your career off to a fantastic start. Or perhaps you’re looking for a change of career or to return to the workplace after some time out. Our Professional and Leadership Programmes could help you to grow your skills and change your future.

We’re passionate about working collaboratively to deliver our business strategy.

It’s a real team effort at YBS. Here, you’ll get the chance to get stuck into all kinds of exciting projects to help transform our business. There’s a real sense of purpose, as we all work towards one goal – making a positive impact on the lives of our members and colleagues.

Our programmes

Swipe to see more

Customer Apprenticeship

Our busy customer facing teams are the lifeblood of our business. Our customer colleagues help millions of our members with the big moments in their lives, from buying a place to call home to saving for life’s challenges and opportunities.

Find out more

Customer Apprenticeship

Our busy customer facing teams are the lifeblood of our business. Our customer colleagues help millions of our members with the big moments in their lives, from buying a place to call home to saving for life’s challenges and opportunities.

Our Customer Programme will give you the opportunity to work in a range of different teams to help you build your customer service skills. You’ll spend time in our branches and with our customer contact teams at our Bradford head office.

You don’t need customer service experience to join our Customer Programme. We’re more interested in your people skills. You’ll want to help our members, and love solving problems and providing the best service possible. Always putting our members first, you’ll also need a positive attitude and the willingness to learn.

Gain a qualification and develop a brilliant career in a changing and exciting business.

Apply now

IT & Digital Apprenticeship

Our IT & Digital Apprenticeship is a fantastic way to mix learning and development with hands-on work and real-life projects - while gaining a BSc (Hons) in Digital & Technology Solutions.

Find out more

IT & Digital Apprenticeship

As an IT & Digital apprentice, you’ll play a huge part in our transformation journey as you develop your career in an exciting and fast changing business with a big digital ambition. Here, you won’t be a small cog. You’ll spend time in a range of teams to support your qualification, working on projects that will build your skills across the full IT lifecycle.

During your first two years, you’ll work with our Systems Administration team where you’ll help look after our hardware, operating systems and other software. And with our Software Development team, where you’ll help design, build, test, implement and support new systems and infrastructure. All while building valuable skills in Information Systems, Systems Development, Data, Cyber Security, Business Organisation, IT Project Management, Computer and Network Infrastructure, and more.

Finally, you’ll use your third and fourth years to specialise in the area that best suits your skills and ambitions.

And what’s really exciting is that you’ll be part of a diverse team of people who’ll support you every step of the way when it comes to shaping your Apprenticeship into the kind of future you really want.

Apply now

Technology Services Apprenticeship

As a Technology Services apprentice, you’ll spend two years working with our Technology Services teams to turn your skills and experience into an exciting future in tech.

Find out more

Technology Services Apprenticeship

It’s an exciting time to be in tech. Join us on our 2 year Level 3 Technology Services Apprenticeship Programme, and you’ll see what we mean. You’ll spend two years working closely with our Technology Services teams where you’ll help look after our hardware, operating systems and other software.

There’s loads to get involved in, and you’ll experience everything from IT Help Desk, Desktop Services, and Problem Management, right through to Capacity & Monitoring, Change & Release and IT Asset & Service Configuration Management.

At the end of your Apprenticeship, we’ll talk to you about a range of career options across our IT and Transformation department. That means you’ll be able to continue learning about Network, Infrastructure, Platform, Database engineering, and more.

To join the programme, you’ll need to be over 18, educated to A Level standard or equivalent, and interested or experienced in IT. And whether you’re fresh out of education, or you’re looking for a career change, we’ll make sure you have everything you need to turn your Apprenticeship into an exciting future.

Apply now

Why choose YBS?

What does being Your Brilliant Self mean? At YBS it means not just going through the motions. You’ll be empowered to do what’s right. We want you to go home every day knowing you’ve done your best.

Here, you’ll be more than a number. You’ll enjoy real responsibility and accountability. You’ll be trusted to do the right thing for our members and make a real difference to their lives.

We know that fantastic careers are built from strong foundations, so all of our Emerging Talent opportunities are permanent from day one. This way you can focus on the things that matter. With a personalised development plan and mentor support, you’ll enjoy the right level of guidance, as well as the freedom to drive your own development, so you can succeed and fulfil your potential.

An inclusive team excited about the future, we’ll welcome you whatever stage you’re at in your career journey. We’ll be with you for the long-term, providing life friendly policies and rewards designed to support you at the different stages of your career.

Meet some of our Emerging Talent colleagues

Swipe to see more

Meet Nafeesa and George

Customer Programme

Find out more

Meet Nafeesa and George
Customer Programme

Why did you choose to join the programme?

“Because the best way to learn a job – is by doing it! We think you can’t learn a job from a textbook or slideshow. We wanted to learn from experienced people who do the job every day. We also didn’t want the debt of a student loan!”

Why did you choose YBS?

“We both liked the fact that it was a permanent job right from the start. And we felt we’d fit right in when we met the YBS team.”

“I’d always wanted to work in financial services. Someone who worked here told me it was a great place to launch my career. The starting salary isn’t bad either!”

What would you say about YBS?

“It’s the best decision we’ve made so far. Everyone here has given us loads of support and guidance. That’s made our journeys easier. There’s lots to learn!”

“I’m excited about the future and developing my career here.”

Nafeesa & George

Meet Mya & Paul

IT & Digital Programme

Find out more

Meet Mya & Paul
IT & Digital Programme

Why did you choose to join the programme?

“I saw it as an advantage over going to university. You earn while you learn and also get many qualifications and opportunities.”

“For me it was a little bit different. I wanted to change career direction. I saw this as a real opportunity to do something I felt passionate about.”

Why did you choose YBS?

“YBS is a trustworthy company that provides a good customer experience and offers many opportunities for you to progress throughout your career. We also loved the fact that we had permanent jobs right from the start. We didn’t have to worry about what would happen when our programme finished.”

What would you say about YBS?

“It’s a great company to work for. Your colleagues and managers are kind, supportive and will help you along the way. I even mentor one of our senior managers as part of the reverse mentoring scheme, which is great! If you want to progress and enjoy a successful career – this programme is for you.”

“You’ll learn from people who have vast knowledge and experience. Nothing is too much trouble.”

Mya & Paul

Meet Jawad

Risk, Compliance & Audit Programme

Find out more

Meet Jawad
Risk, Compliance & Audit Programme

Why did you choose to join the programme?

“I wasn’t sure if uni was for me. And I didn’t want to get into all that debt just for the lifestyle. I wanted to gain a professional qualification recognised by industry. And I’m not particularly good at sitting in classrooms all the time!”

Why did you choose YBS?

“You can choose different options. Your choices aren’t limited. That’s what really stood out for me. We also get to spend some of our working time studying for our qualification.”

What would you say about YBS?

“You’ll be fully supported and feel part of the team straightaway. You’ll work on real projects and be able to recommend how we can do things better.”

“We organise nights out for those on the programme, so we don’t feel we’re missing out on the uni lifestyle.”

 

Coming soon

Jawad

Meet Rob

IT & Digital Programme

Find out more

Meet Rob
IT & Digital Programme

Why did you choose to join the programme?

“With university fees rising, I didn’t want to have a mountain of debt before starting my professional career. YBS offered what I was looking for. Full-time work experience and my degree completely paid for. This means I’ll gain the same experience and qualifications as graduates, but in half the time and without any of the debt.”

Why did you choose YBS?

“The career development and opportunities to develop, grow and move into different areas of the business.”

“YBS is a trusted financial provider and one of the UK’s largest building societies. Their strong customer focus appealed to me, because my work has a positive impact on the future. The sheer size of the IT team and wealth of knowledge is another big attraction!”

What would you say about YBS?

“The culture is very friendly and welcoming with everybody helping and supporting you. The opportunities and potential to progress, and better yourself and your career are limitless. I’d recommend this programme to anyone.”

FAQs

1 What is the recruitment process?

Start by completing the online application process for one (or more) of our Emerging Talent Programmes and upload your CV. If you meet the initial requirements, we’ll invite you to complete a 30-minute telephone interview.

The final stage of the process is an assessment centre which includes a 121 interview, as well as individual and group-based activities.

2 How do our Emerging Talent Programmes work?

All apprentices at YBS have the security of a permanent job and receive training from our partner providers. It’s an opportunity to enjoy great training, receive a salary and learn new skills on-the-job while studying towards a professional qualification.

3 What level of qualifications do we offer?

Our Emerging Talent Programmes are offered across a range of levels:

  • Level 3 – Advanced Level Apprenticeships
  • Levels 4 & 5 – Higher Level Apprenticeships (Foundation Degree Equivalent)
  • Level 6 – Degree Apprenticeships or Degree Equivalent Apprenticeships

Details of the specific qualification are available on each of our online adverts.

4 Can you fail the Emerging Talent Programme?

We assess everyone on our Emerging Talent programme throughout their journey with us. There’s also a final assessment for the qualification, carried out by an independent third party. Every colleague can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction for the qualification. Unfortunately, they can also fail. We provide all the training and support needed to develop and do a great job every day.

5 What happens when the Emerging Talent Programme finishes?

Everyone who joins one of our Emerging Talent Programmes starts on a permanent contract. If you pass when your programme finishes, we’ll update your contract to reflect your new role. You’ll then enjoy lots of opportunities to move into different roles and even develop leadership skills.

6 What hours would you work?

On the majority of our Emerging Talent Programmes, you’ll work a 35-hour week which is an 8-hour day (including a one-hour unpaid lunch break). This is generally 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, although there is some flexibility on this.

For those joining our Customer Programme, the normal business hours in these teams are 8am-8pm Monday to Friday. You’ll work a shift pattern between these times, totalling 35 hours per week and you also work Saturdays 9am to 1pm on a rotation basis.

Rewards &
Recognition

Find out more

Learning &
Development

Find out more

An Inclusive
Culture

Find out more

Want to join the team?

Apply Join Our Talent Community