WIBF announces apprentice membership pilot with Kaplan UK
news published date 2 October 2025We’re excited to introduce a pioneering WIBF Apprentice Membership pilot with Kaplan UK, opening our doors this October to a cohort of ten apprentices across the UK. Over one year, participants will gain real-world exposure to financial services through WIBF’s network, events and mentoring while we define an apprenticeship pathway that supports early-career talent and strengthens our social mobility impact.
“Progress in financial services should be driven by potential, not privilege. By opening up membership to apprentices, we’re levelling the playing field from the very start of a career. This pilot with Kaplan ensures that talent and ambition, not background, determine who thrives, while building the foundations of a more diverse leadership pipeline for the future” Anna Lane, CEO, WIBF
“Kaplan is delighted to support ‘Women in Banking and Finance’ in this new initiative. We are committed to fostering an inclusive financial services industry where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. This pilot programme will provide valuable apprenticeship memberships for 5 women and 5 men, with male allyship an important part of the work by Women in Banking and Finance. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and mentoring in building a strong, diverse talent pipeline in one of the growth areas recognised in the government’s Industrial Strategy.” Jenny Pelling, Director of Skills and Strategy, Kaplan UK
To the ten apprentices joining us in October: welcome to WIBF! We can’t wait to support your first steps, connect you with our community and cheer you on. A huge thank you to Kaplan, the brilliant colleagues across WIBF and to the Future Leaders Shadow Board for championing this work.
For now, this is a closed pilot, but watch this space – we’ll share updates on future apprenticeship opportunities as the programme develops.