Bridging lender Hope Capital has launched an apprenticeship scheme and taken on two new apprentices.

The new recruits – Jade Thompson (23) and Elle Hazlett (18) – will be working across the business initially, so they have the opportunity to get experience in a broad range of skills, from finance and marketing to underwriting, admin and sales. With this solid grounding, they can then progress to more specialised roles in the future.

The new apprenticeships are part of Hope Capital’s wider growth strategy and in response to an exceptional post-lockdown performance. The firm remains open to speculative applications, and is looking to bring in new talent across the organisation, as well as continuing its strong track record of promoting from within.

Thompson (pictured, left) said: “I am excited to be completing my business administration apprenticeship at Hope Capital. I was a manager in a very different industry before, so moving into the financial sector has been a big step change. But I love new challenges and am finding the specialist finance sector very interesting. I cannot wait to complete my apprenticeship and further my career and knowledge at Hope Capital.”

Hazlett (pictured, right), added: “I achieved an A* in ICT at school and I wanted to put my software skills to good use. I didn’t know much about finance to begin with, but at Hope Capital I’m learning new things every day. I feel I’m starting to get a good understanding of what all the different departments do and how the business fits together.

“I know that Hope Capital will be a great help with my career development. The environment here is so welcoming, and the people who work here are all really supportive and helpful. My ambition would be to lead a department here one day.”

Gary Bailey, managing director of Hope Capital, said: “Our doors are always open to new talent – at all levels.

“Firms have an important responsibility to provide opportunities for young people, and a strong interest in nurturing the talent that will help the industry to succeed in the future.

“I am particularly pleased to welcome Jade and Elle to Hope Capital. It is deeply rewarding to be able to give them the opportunity to start what I hope will be a long and successful career with us.”