Local students bank on summer internship

Two students from the North West Regional College in Derry have each been given a paid six-week internship with Danske Bank as part of the Career Ready (formerly Career Academies UK) programme.

IT student Matthew McCallion has been working as a Service Advisor at Danske’s Shipquay Place branch since the beginning of the Summer and Rory Doran, also an IT student, is in a similar role at the Bank’s Altnagelvin branch. Career Ready’s internship programme is designed open up the world of work to young people and provide meaningful hands on experience.

In addition to gaining customer-facing experience and receiving training in Danske Bank’s systems, Matthew and Rory are also mentored by bank employees on softer skills such as teamwork, presentation and interview skills. Internships have been identified as an important way for young people to gain skills as they look to move into work or further education.

Tony Wilcox, Managing Director of Personal Banking at Danske Bank, explained the importance of the internship programme: “We have seen first-hand the benefits of these internships for local young people who spend time with us during their summer break.

“The experience gives students something that differentiates them from their peers, helps them put softer skills into practice and enhances their future employment prospects.

“From an employer’s perspective, we gain from the experience too. Our staff volunteer both during working hours as well as in their own personal time to coach the young people and they really enjoy the experience. And of course, the students make an impact on our business.”

Career Ready works in partnership with public, private and third sector organisations to provide a structured programme of paid internships, mentoring by employer volunteers, motivational lectures and workshops to give 16-19 year olds essential work experience and skills.

Photo shows Matthew McCallion with Tony Wilcox, Managing Director of Personal Banking at Danske Bank.