A new website to get young people excited about careers in financial services roles, such as debt recovery management, financial accountancy or insurance brokering, was launched this month by Skills Minister Alasdair Allan.

The re:think site, which aims to attract attention through its modern design, snappy slogans and video content, showcases the diverse range of jobs available in the financial services sector and aims to get people to “re-think” their views.

It has been created by Skills Development Scotland in partnership with Scotland’s Financial Services Skills Gateway, an employer-led initiative to improve the pool of talent in financial services.

Information on the huge variety of jobs presented on the site can be accessed directly by searching for a role, or by choosing the one statement from a list which describes one’s strengths best.

They include “I enjoy doing things by the book”, “I love to talk - and to help people!”, and “I love creating things that give customers exactly what they need”. The site then lists the roles best matched to those strengths.

It also provides case studies and information on employers in the financial sector, as well as targeted information on next steps for school-leavers, graduates and those looking for a career change.

“To compete successfully, both here and abroad, Scotland’s employers need a workforce equipped with the right kind of skills,” Dr Allan said. “The Scottish Government has highlighted finance as being key to the economy and resources such as re:think will help enable people to gain the skills and knowledge needed for them to prosper.”

Thousands of people are employed in financial services across Scotland, said David Thorburn, chief executive of Clydesdale Bank and chair of the skills gateway. “The public might imagine that these are mundane jobs, but the new re:think website shatters that view.”

www.sds.co.ukrethink.