Sir David Howard, Chairman of the Securities & Investment Institute (SII) Examination Board and a former Lord Mayor of London will be visiting The Community College Hackney on Friday 23rd September.*

Sir David, whose Stockbroking firm, Charles Stanley, has an office in Hackney, will be helping the College celebrate the fact that it is the first in the UK to run the SII’s Introduction to Investment qualification, achieving a success rate of over 85%. He will also formally certify the college as an Accredited Training Provider for the SII.

The SII’s Introduction to Investment qualification is aimed at those thinking of working in the world of financial services. Many of Hackney’s 11 candidates, aged 21-38, will be present for Sir David’s visit. The students are originally from a range of backgrounds representing countries including India, Malaysia and Africa. Their 85% pass rate was an excellent achievement as the average pass rate for this examination is 70%.

Izana Wan Ahmad, one of the students, was offered and has taken up a job as a graduate analyst with JP Morgan, following her exam success.

None of the students had any background in financial services. The SII, the 16,000 strong membership and qualifications body for the UK securities and investment industry, developed the Introduction to Investment qualification to provide an overview of the financial services industry and to develop candidates’ understanding of why there is a need for a regulatory environment and how it operates. The syllabus covers topics including the Financial Services and Marketing Act, Money Laundering, Equities, Derivatives and Unit Trusts.

Ruth Martin, Managing Director of the Securities & Investment Institute said: “We are delighted that Sir David Howard will be helping us and our colleagues at The Community College Hackney to celebrate these achievements. The College has been a trailblazer for this qualification which we are now rolling out to further education colleges throughout the UK. Our Introduction to Investment has been specifically designed to widen access to the UK financial services industry and to the City of London for people who have not yet decided on a career path, or are looking to change career and work in a financial services related organisation.”

Chris Yiannakou, Director of Business Development of The Community College Hackney said: “Inner city residents are, and have been for some time under represented in the financial services sector resulting in a reliance on commuters in the workforce.

The College, through its Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) and the support from the SII and the London East Learning Skills Council has responded to the needs of the City and provided real job opportunities for local people. “


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