Anniversaries all round

As ELBA marks its 35^th anniversary, some of our corporate partners celebrate key milestones too. 2024 marks the 10^th anniversary of T. Rowe Price’s London Apprenticeship Scheme.

In 2014, T. Rowe Price, with support from ELBA, established its first UK apprenticeship programme. The objective was to provide the apprentices with meaningful (paid) work experience for a significant period, gain a professional qualification and create an impressive CV that documents their experience.

T. Rowe Price is dedicated to social mobility and supporting talent from diverse backgrounds. To recruit apprentices, the firm partners with ELBA and Investment 2020 to help attract a diverse workforce.

Ten years later, the company invited ELBA and others to honour the apprentices who have completed the programme and are now flourishing in their careers. Many former apprentices are still working for T. Rowe Price.

We checked in with Syed Hussain, Client Account Services Analyst, who was one of the first apprentices on the programme.

Syed, who was born and raised in Bethnal Green, completed T. Rowe Price’s Investment Support/Front Office rotation Apprenticeship. He applied for the apprenticeship because he had always been interested in the financial industry, without the traditional university-route. The apprenticeship was the perfect option.

Syed, back in 2015, one year into his apprenticeship, described passing his first industry qualification exam as his “golden moment”. 10 years on, Syed is still with the firm:

I am a Client Account Services Analyst in the Client Account Management (CAM) team. The CAM team works in conjunction with the Relationship Management teams to retain and grow client and prospect relationships.

I am also the Founder and Co-Chair of the Young Professionals Network at T. Rowe Price which officially began in 2022. We are an open network focused on helping associates that are new to the firm, industry, and/or those with up-to 10 years of industry experience, with their career development. We have over 200 associate members led by two co-chairs: a strong project team and a senior executive sponsor.

Looking back, the apprenticeship programme gave me the opportunity to build a truly strong network over the past 10 years. This has led to me gaining a wide understanding of the firm, the chance to explore various different roles and a deeper understanding of the financial services industry. The knowledge gained over the years has influenced my career choices, the impact I’ve been able to make in the various roles I have been in, and my decision to start the Young Professionals Network.

My advice to future apprentices: You are the driver to your career, take charge and don’t be afraid to be curious. You are responsible for making the most of every opportunity, good or bad. It’s all about developing throughout your journey.

My advice to firms hosting apprentices: Begin with the end in mind, firms bear the responsibility of how the program can impact the future. To ensure we gain a positive “return on investment” for all stakeholders involved, especially the apprentice, it is vital to have a well-structured programme, guided by strong and thoughtful managers who are able to open doors to new opportunities and guide the apprentices.

For now, I am excited and happy with the role I am currently in. As for the future, we’ll just have to wait and see where it takes me. Whatever that may be, I am always looking forward to learning new skills, taking on new challenges and above all, making a positive impact on those around me.

Apprenticeships have now evolved so that candidates with a variety of qualifications (including degrees) can apply and use the opportunity to begin their career, upskill or return to work after a career break. The impact of T. Rowe Price’s programme is truly inspiring, and ELBA can’t wait to see what the next 10 years will bring for their apprentices.

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