State-owned banks on apprenticeship spree to strengthen customer services

Several public sector banks are hiring apprentices for the first time through their apprenticeship programmes to improve customer relations in semi-urban and rural areas, amid a gradual decline in the workforce over the years.

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Recently, Union Bank of India, Canara Bank, and Indian Overseas Bank announced that they would recruit 500, 3000 and 550 graduates, respectively under a year-long apprenticeship programme for a stipend of up to Rs 15,000.

According to executives from these banks, they are hiring apprentices for the first time.

Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp Bank of India has also received board approval to recruit in a staggered manner 1,300 apprentices, who are likely to be deployed in customer relations, which, according to an executive from the lender, are becoming crucial, especially for liabilities mobilisation.

"The (apprenticeship) programme focuses on deploying apprentices in semi-urban and rural branches to enhance customer relations. They will work to understand customer needs and address issues, aiming to improve customer satisfaction," said K Satyanarayana Raju, MD & CEO, Canara Bank.