Applications are now open for the City of London Business Traineeship scheme, which places City-fringe school leavers in summer internships at top City firms.

The paid internships offer students the average wage for a graduate role and school leavers from all backgrounds can apply.

Internships are open to all Year 13 students in the boroughs of Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth, Camden, Islington and Westminster, while  applicants are initially assessed according to their GCSE grades and are selected through an interview and workshop process. Successful applicants are matched with City businesses, who interview the applicants and then select trainees.

Trainees gain experience in departments such as finance, HR and communications as well as being given real responsibilities.