29 March 2018

Twenty years ago, a school leaver who wanted a career in the financial services sector started on the bottom rung in a branch, working their way up as a teller before going on to other sections of the bank.

The impact of technology has completely changed the career path for young people in financial services and IMB Bank this week welcome seven new trainees across varied areas including IT, Risk and Project Management.

With a family history in banking, 19-year-old Bradon Clissold from Blairmount, applied to IMB for a traineeship although he left school in 2016.

“I went to university for a few weeks but decided it wasn’t for me. Mum and Dad were adamant I had to find work of some sort, so I spent last year working at casual jobs.

“My parents and my uncle all worked in banks and when I saw the advertisement for an IMB Bank traineeship, I thought it looked interesting.

“I am open to change and want to learn about money and the banking industry so I am excited about starting work this week.”

Anna Murphy (18) completed her HSC at Smith’s Hill High School in Wollongong last year and was uncertain whether or not she wanted to go to university.

“I enjoyed maths and when the opportunity came up for me to apply to IMB for a traineeship, I thought it looked like fun.

“I have only ever worked as a casual and never a 9-5 job before so that will be different and a bit scary but when I finish the traineeship, if I like it, I hope to get a permanent job at IMB,” she said.

Bradon will begin his traineeship at Camden IMB Bank branch and Anna will join the risk department at head office in Wollongong.

IMB Bank introduced traineeships in 2005 and today’s recruits take the number to 120 young people who have been given the opportunity for a career in the financial services sector, with 93% of them going on to work in permanent roles.

Along the way, the accolades have kept coming with 20 of IMB’s trainees nominated for the Regional Trainee of the Year awards and three making it into the finals of the NSW Trainee of the Year.

IMB Bank CEO Robert Ryan visited the seven new recruits during their induction week, telling them about the opportunities for a career within the banking sector.

He also introduced them to Jodi Crewdson, one of the original trainees from the 2005 intake, who is now the manager of the Wollongong-based IMB Bank call centre.

“We are totally committed to training young people in this industry and delighted that, of the 120 trainees who have gone through our 12-month program, most of them are still working with us today.

“I am also particularly proud of the fact the 75% of the trainees are participants in our Future Leaders Program.

“IMB Bank has invested millions of dollars in our digital platforms and we want and need input from our younger staff members, who live much of their lives online, as we continue to improve how we communicate with our customers,” Mr Ryan said.

“Banking in 2018 is a very rewarding career and I am delighted to welcome these seven young people to our organisation.”