Ranging in age from 16 to 22 the apprentices were chosen from 350 potential candidates after the building society was inundated with applications within only a matter of days of advertising the roles.

Among the newly appointed employees, was Chris, 22, from Darlington, who lost his place as an apprentice with an engineering company because of the pandemic.

Now recruited as one of Darlington’s new Customer Service consultants he revealed his ambition was to become a mortgage adviser. Chris said: “The more I researched the company, and saw what it stands for, the more it appealed to me. I love the family atmosphere in the company.”

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Megan, joined the Society straight from school. She said: “I looked at different opportunities but this one stood out because of the way the Society is so engaged with the community, and there are so many opportunities to progress if you work hard.”

The newly-appointed Customer Service Consultants will complete a level 3 apprenticeship with the others joining the Branch network as Customer Service Assistants and completing a level 2 apprenticeship before moving to level 3.

The programme, in partnership with Northern Skills Group, a part of Middlesbrough College, will last between 15 and 18 months.

Niki Barker, the Society’s director of people and culture, said: “We had plans to launch our own apprenticeship before the lockdown as part of our campaign to grow our own talent.

“The fact that it has still gone ahead is a clear demonstration of the Society’s continued investment in the local labour market.”

Barker added: “The Society’s aim is to be recognised as a North-East employer of choice. The pandemic is going to have a particular impact on the prospects of the 16-25 age group, and this apprenticeship programme is designed to help address that.

“It sends a really strong message about what the Society stands for – that it is passionate about serving members, investing in staff and supporting local communities.”