Santander wanted to make their work experience programme truly accessible by offering disadvantaged students who can’t afford unpaid work experience and travel costs the financial support they need.

The Work-Wise volunteering scheme not only teaches students from disadvantaged backgrounds professional skills, CV writing and interview skills, but also allows them to apply for work experience at the bank. Before COVID-19, when scheme events were held on site, the candidates would receive money to cover their travel and lunch expenses. Their 4-week work experience placement is paid the National Living Wage, as opposed to minimum wage, and candidates can automatically opt into the recruitment process for its apprenticeships, traineeships and graduate programmes.

All internships are paid positions, and through the 86 Santander University Partnerships, Santander supports over 2,000 students into paid internship opportunities with small and medium enterprises annually.