Danske Bank has opened its Danske Futures Higher Level Apprenticeship Programme, Danske Futures, for 2026 and is looking for 15 new apprentices to join the business.
Danske Futures is a fully funded degree programme, delivered in partnership with Ulster University. It enables apprentices to study part-time for a BSc Hons in Leading on Customer Operations while gaining valuable, hands-on experience with the bank.
The programme has attracted a diverse range of participants over the years, from recent school leavers to individuals looking for a career change later in life. Successful applicants will secure a permanent, salaried position in the bank’s Personal Banking or Operations teams, giving them the opportunity to earn while they learn.
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The new apprentices will join the bank in the summer of 2026, gaining unique insights and professional development as they work alongside various teams in Danske Bank and bring their studies to life in their roles. Since its launch in 2018, the programme has provided mentoring, training and a host of development opportunities for over 100 colleagues.
Jamie Nelson, currently on his second year of the programme said: “Being a Danske Futures apprentice has been an amazing experience so far. In my first year, I was able to gain real insight into how different areas of the bank operate and contribute to its success. Now, in my second year I feel like I’m really building on that knowledge and developing my skills even further through hands-on work and learning. The programme has exposed me to jobs I didn’t even really know existed and has given me a clear pathway to a career in financial services. I’d encourage anyone thinking of a career in banking or financial services to think about applying.”
Caroline van der Feltz, HR Director at Danske Bank added: “We are excited to launch our ninth cohort of Danske Futures apprentices. Over the years, we’ve welcomed over 100 talented individuals to the programme, with currently 58 active apprentices working across our business. The programme not only supports the development of these talented individuals but brings new ideas, creativity and skills to our teams all across the bank.”
Suzanne Kelly, Lecturer and Programme Lead at Ulster University said: “Higher level apprenticeship programmes have grown in popularity, offering significant advantages for both the students and the organisations involved. It is essential to ensure higher education remains accessible to everyone, and apprenticeships provide a fantastic opportunity by combining a fully funded degree with the ability to earn a salary. Danske Futures is a highly professional programme and an excellent pathway for anyone interested in exploring a career in financial services.”
Applications opened on 31 January 2026. Full details on how to apply can be found at: www.danskebank.co.uk/careers
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