Citi Launches New Career Empowerment Programme

A new programme designed to challenge misconceptions of careers in the financial and professional services sectors and encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in the sector, has been announced by Citi Belfast and Belfast Met.

The new Citi Career Empowerment Programme is designed to continue attracting an increasingly diverse talent pool and will work to remove social inequality barriers, develop skills and improve employability.

Citi said that the launch of this programme in collaboration with Belfast Met is "a leap forward", engaging with the Department of Economy's economic strategy's three pillars of innovation, sustainability and inclusion and will equip people across Northern Ireland with the skills needed to succeed in a lifelong professional career.

Through collaboration with a range of key influencers and local stakeholders within the financial and professional services sector, and Invest NI, Citi aims to develop and implement a range of programmes to remove barriers and provide recognised skills and qualifications to reduce the high rate of economic inactivity across Northern Ireland. Citi's Career Empowerment Programme will create a more diverse workforce, build better community relationships, and continue to solidify Citi's reputation as an inclusive employer.

The employer also took a leading role in developing the unique Northern Ireland FinTECH and Professional Services Programme which recently launched at Belfast Met with Joe Kennedy, US Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland present. The innovative programme aims to give young people not in education, training or employment the pathway to a growth industry career in a range of areas including business, digital, fintech and professional services. The programme will include project based learning placement in Citi and other partner organisations which will involve mentorship to build confidence and soft skills which are key to employment and progression.

Commenting on the launch of the Career Empowerment Programme Leigh Meyer, Citi Belfast Site Head said: "Citi believes that everyone can belong in banking, and as the global bank's customers continue to grow in diversity, it is crucial that our growing team reflects that diversity. The launch of our Career Empowerment Programme will ensure a wider range of voices and backgrounds are present within our workforce and reinforces our commitment to providing jobs to people here in Northern Ireland. As the only global investment bank operating in Northern Ireland, we are proud to be opening the doors for more people to live locally and work globally, supporting businesses around the world.

"A common theme for Citi Belfast since our establishment has been that of identifying and removing barriers for entry. We offer a range of career pathways to encourage everyone to consider a career at Citi. Our diverse programmes include apprenticeships, graduates, reactivate your career, and business academies. We offer the training and support required for career progression and actively champion and empower our team's growth and success by creating a culture defined by inclusion to create a vibrant working environment for all."

For more information on Citi's Career Empowerment Programme visit Belfast Met's website.