Three new apprenticeship positions have been created by Ipswich Building Society as part of the Suffolk 500 in 100 challenge.

The society is interviewing for a marketing trainee to join its head office and has been advertising for two customer adviser trainees, one to be based at its Woodbridge branch and the other at the Tower Ramparts shopping centre branch in Ipswich.

Applications for the two branch positions closed yesterday.

The Suffolk 500 initiative is being co-ordinated by Apprenticeships Suffolk Business Services and aims to secure the commitment of employers around the county to recruit 500 new apprentices within 100 working days of the programme’s launch last month.

Chief executive of Ipswich Building Society, Paul Winter, said: “The Suffolk 500 in 100 initiative is a great way of encouraging businesses across the county to create a range of opportunities for young people in our community to develop their skills and gain invaluable experience in the workplace.

“Ipswich Building Society is fully behind this initiative and we are looking forward to welcoming new talent to the society.”

The society is part of the National Apprenticeship Scheme and usually has at least one apprentice per year on either the Level 3 Banking or Level 3 Business Administration programme.

Director of apprenticeships Suffolk Business Services, Teresa Logan, added: “There are many young people in the Suffolk community who would really benefit from the opportunity to gain experience in the financial services industry.

“Ipswich Building Society provides a number of apprenticeship positions for those who wish to develop their skills across various aspects of its business and it’s great to see it has extended its offering to create three new apprenticeship positions as part of the Suffolk 500 in 100 initiative.”