Demonstrating its commitment to proactively help fresh graduates get a head start in their careers, Baiduri Bank held a virtual open day for the second intake of its Graduate Apprenticeship Programme (GAP) today.

300 participants attended the event that was held to provide an opportunity for interested candidates to know more about the programme and speak to the very first cohort of apprentices about their experiences. They also had the chance to get a glimpse of what the working life in Baiduri Bank Group is like.

The apprentices themselves, under the guidance of their colleagues and mentors, took charge of organising the afternoon’s events and activities, including various presentations, interactive quizzes and focus group sessions where participants could ask questions.

GAP is a 6-month holistic learning and development programme aimed at providing recent graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to increase their employability in the local job market.

Over 270 applications were received during the first intake of the programme earlier this year, and after a selection process involving written assessments and an interview, the Bank Group welcomed 11 apprentices into the programme last April.

Successful applicants join the Programme as ‘apprentices’, embarking on a series of classroom learning activities where they will be introduced to the banking world and gain comprehensive knowledge of various financial products and services. They will also attend courses aimed at helping them acquire soft skills such as effective communication, project management, teamwork and collaboration to enhance their overall work readiness.

These apprentices will subsequently undergo on-the-job training in different departments within the Bank Group, designed to offer them first-hand experience of the inner workings of a financial institution.

Apprentices will also be involved in projects that would positively impact the local community through the Bank Group’s various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Last June, the apprentices led the Bank Group’s annual blood donation drive event in collaboration with Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Blood Bank. Not only that, but the apprentices have also been an active part of the Bank Group’s ‘Employee Wellness Initiative’, a monthly series of wellness activities aimed at encouraging Baiduri employees to take care of their physical health and mental wellbeing, as well as other recreational activities under the Group’s recreation club.

At the end of the programme, apprentices may apply for suitable vacancies within Baiduri Bank Group or pursue their careers with other organisations in various industries.

Currently, three apprentices have been offered permanent employment with the Bank Group, while the rest have secured interviews with other companies.

Also attending the virtual open day was Veronica Chong, Head of Group Human Resources and Administration, who said about the programme:

“GAP provides graduates with a broad exposure to real-world working environment, while helping them build transferable soft skills that they can apply in any working environment.”

“Our first batch of apprentices have done an excellent job not just with organising this event, but also the other projects and responsibilities they’ve been given. They’ve also gotten first-hand experience of project management and I’m very glad to see how much they’ve leant and grown over the past seven months. They were scheduled to complete their apprenticeship in September, but mutually agreed to extend the duration to contribute their ideas and support their colleagues in their transition to remote working.”

Meanwhile, Ti Eng Hui, CEO of Baiduri Bank in his welcoming remarks congratulated the apprentices and commented on how GAP is a strong testament to the Bank Group’s commitment to support recent graduates by helping them develop employability skills and a learning mindset.

This is also in support of Goal 1 for Wawasan Brunei 2035, reflecting the national aspiration to be widely recognised for an educated, highly skilled and accomplished workforce.

He said: “I am very proud of their achievements, and they have clearly shown that they are capable to lead and organise an event like this virtual open day.

“This is exactly what the programme was designed to be. It offers a unique opportunity for recent graduates to gain valuable working experience and give them a firmer foothold in the job market. It is our hope that GAP will continue to play a role in creating an adaptable and skilled workforce that’s ready to take on any challenge in the future.”

GAP is open to Bruneian citizens or permanent residents who have graduated in the last three years with a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree and with no prior work experience. Candidates also need to be well-rounded with diverse interests and talents and be willing to learn in a fast-paced environment.

Those interested in applying for the programme can send their resume to [email protected] from 6 December 2021 until the closing date of 26 December 2021.

For more details on the programme and career opportunities with Baiduri Bank Group, please follow the Bank Group on its social media channels or visit www.baiduri.com.