Teenagers will be able to earn a CISI qualification under a pilot scheme offering students a new route into the finance sector.

The CISI has collaborated with the International Baccalaureate to launch the project, which is aimed at 16-18 year olds who want to gain experience in the finance sector. It will be piloted at five secondary schools across the UK - one independent school and four state schools.

Students will earn a CISI qualification, with at least two IB Diploma Programme courses, consisting of a reflective project, a foreign language, a community project and personal and professional skills. 

The objective is to help students develop practical and relevant experience of their chosen career pathway in the financial and investments sector and to boost their employment chances. The average vacancy in the finance industry receives 135 applications, according to the Association of Graduate Recruiters.

Graduates from the programme will have better access to opportunities at CISI member companies such as Morgan Stanley, Barclays and HSBC.

Kevin Moore Chartered MCSI, the CISI’s director of global business development, said: “The finance sector is looking to recruit young people who possess good communication, numeracy and interpersonal skills, are able to pay attention to detail, are team players and display integrity.

“We are delighted to be working with the IB and schools to offer a brand new industry-specific package, which promotes the development of these and other in valuable life skills. The package delivers a powerful portfolio which should be popular with students, universities and employers alike.”

Dr Peter Fidczuk, UK recognition and development manager, International Baccalaureate, said: “The new package enables students to achieve a maximum of 200 revised UCAS points, while also gaining valuable personal and interpersonal skills, helping students to secure university places, apprenticeships or jobs in the finance industry.

“Working together with industry bodies such as CISI, we look forward to creating a broader range of educational pathways that will allow students to excel in their next steps, whether that’s university, an apprenticeship, internship or straight into industry.

“This partnership is just the first of many in the UK, showing the IB’s commitment to progressing learning partnerships across diverse sectors.”