We are building a new path for a new generation to build sustainable, rewarding careers that you can be proud of.
For many, the path from high school to college works well and leads to a good job. For those who don’t follow that path, there have historically been few opportunities for education and training after high school.
The Financial Services Academy and our partners at the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway believe those options can – and should – start well before high school graduation and continue into adulthood.
FSA is a two-year program for high school juniors and seniors in Indiana. Apprentices receive consistent, year-round, *paid* training at your local bank that will take you through four competencies of Retail Banking. This is the industry term that covers much of the aspects of banking you are likely most familiar with such as individual checking and savings accounts as well as personal loans like home mortgages.
From an educational standpoint, this experience will convert to work-based learning credits toward the new high school diploma program, plus a certification recognized by every bank in the state. You may then continue working at the bank or transition seamlessly to college.
RETAIL BANKING
COMPETENCIES
Talk to your school counselor and encourage them to pursue INCAP apprenticeship opportunities with local financial services employers.
No, this is an industry-funded program and any costs are paid by the employer. Additionally, apprentices are considered employees and will be paid a fair wage.
Students will be responsible for their own transportation. If assistance is needed, please talk to your school counselor as many communities have local resources available.
Each apprentice will have an assigned trainer at the bank to coordinate scheduling and curriculum. They will also have access to a Connector, an intermediary between the schools and banks, that serves in your specific region of the state.
While not guaranteed a job, we anticipate most students will continue working with their employer post-apprenticeship. During their apprenticeship we have built in opportunities for students to experience a wide range of roles and will have the opportunity to find their “best fit” in coordination with their employer.
Of course! The Financial Services Academy is working to with many higher education institutions throughout Indiana to develop seamless pathways to college. We anticipate many of our in-state higher education institutions will award at least partial college credit for apprenticeships. Some students may also have the opportunity to continue working with their employer while attending college through an employer-sponsored program.
By completing the apprenticeship, students graduate with a professional portfolio, a polished résumé, and a specialized diploma. The program is formally recognized by the Indiana Bankers Association as a rigorous, academically challenging experience that equips future bankers to advance into higher-level roles faster than peers starting in entry-level positions.
The primary goal of the Financial Services Academy is to guide students in choosing, completing, and fully realizing the benefits of an apprenticeship. We are committed to supporting students in every way possible, including during any transitions that may occur.
One of the key advantages of our apprenticeships is the flexibility we offer to both students and schools. Because apprentices work at the bank during school hours, they still have time to participate in extracurricular activities, hold another job, or focus on studies in the evenings and on weekends. In some cases, banks may provide extended work hours once students are fully trained in basic customer transactions. Additionally, the Financial Services Academy encourages banks to allow apprentices to continue working during the summer, ensuring ongoing experience and growth.
While there is an upfront cost, apprentices will rapidly be trained into roles where they can become productive employees in a short time. In many cases these upfront costs are minimal when compared to the costs required to recruit, hire, train, and retain new employees. This return on investment is a critical aspect to our apprenticeship program.
Studies have shown employers who host apprentices see many benefits. Through a flexible, industry-developed program, employers have the opportunity to develop talent with the exact skills the employer desires. Organizations see increased productivity as apprentices contribute meaningful work while learning. Additionally, many employers see improved employee retention as many apprentices stay with their employers long term.
FSA curriculum is built on a structured learning continuum. Students gain exposure to all key areas of the bank and participate in shadowing opportunities across multiple departments. While they will receive comprehensive training in basic customer transactions—where they will spend most of their time during the apprenticeship—the broader experience provides valuable insight into the banking industry as a whole.
The curriculum for this program was developed with guidance from our Banking Curriculum Committee, which includes training and education specialists from banks across the state, as well as trainers who deliver courses through the Indiana Bankers Association. The program is also supported by BAI, a widely recognized learning management system for banking professionals. In addition, all content has been reviewed and approved by FSA’s Governance Committee, comprised of bank CEOs and other senior executives.
Reach out to FSA President & CEO Chris Fisher at [email protected] to enroll in the program.
The Financial Services Academy anticipates adding additional apprenticeships in other areas of the Financial Services sector over the next few years. Please contact Chris Fisher to discuss further.