Banking group Santander has launched a new apprenticeship programme for its business and retail banking divisions.

It will take in up to 50 apprenticeships in the first entrance and expects to increase the size of the cohort in 2013.

Cameron Bird, Santander’s HR operations director, says: "We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce, one that reflects the communities where our branches and business centres are based, so we're encouraging people from all backgrounds and ages to apply for these roles.”

The programme will last up to two years.

Open to applicants of any age, recruits will be based at the company’s offices in Bootle and Bradford.