At Babington, we are committed to helping organisations across the financial and professional services sector future-proof their workforce through skills development and apprenticeships. Leading our efforts in this space is Spencer Bliss, Head of Customer Engagement – Financial Services. With deep sector experience and a passion for developing future-ready talent, Spencer plays a key role in supporting organisations to navigate change and close critical skills gaps.

In this Q&A, Spencer shares insights into his background, his vision for the future of financial services apprenticeships, and his plans for driving impact in the sector.

A Career Dedicated to Skills Development in Financial Services

Can you tell us a bit about your professional background and experience?

“My first ‘real’ job was within financial services, working at a building society which later became part of Lloyds Banking Group (LBG). Over a 10-year career, I progressed through various roles and achieved qualifications including CeMAP, LIBF, and the Association of British Insurers certifications.

In 2008, I transitioned into the Further Education and Apprenticeship sector, specialising in supporting financial services clients to address current and future skills needs. My work has involved navigating complex procurement processes and building strategic partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes for businesses.

I’m passionate about helping financial services organisations build sustainable talent pipelines, embed lifelong learning, and align skills development to their strategic goals.”

Joining Babington: A Strategic Move

What attracted you to this role at Babington?

“Since joining Babington in 2022, I immediately recognised a shared commitment to delivering exceptional apprenticeship experiences—through expert tutors, high-quality learning materials, and clear career pathways.

Stepping into the role of Head of Customer Engagement for Financial and Professional Services has allowed me to continue supporting a sector I’m deeply passionate about, while building a team that shares the same vision for developing talent and driving real business impact.”

What are your areas of expertise, and how do they align with your role?

“My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the financial and professional services landscape, coupled with strong relationship management skills. With over 20 years’ experience, I have a comprehensive grasp of the industry’s regulatory challenges and opportunities.

At Babington, I leverage this expertise to strengthen workforce capability, optimise apprenticeship outcomes, and contribute to long-term skills strategies for our clients.”

Priorities and Vision for Financial Services Apprenticeships

What are your key priorities in your position?

“My immediate focus is to drive growth across the financial and professional services sector—building new partnerships, strengthening existing ones, and ensuring that our solutions align with clients’ evolving workforce needs.”

How do you envision the future of your specialism at Babington?

“I see a future where apprenticeships become a core strategic investment for financial services organisations—helping to close critical skills gaps, build resilience, and create diverse, future-ready workforces. At Babington, we’re committed to delivering innovative, employer-led programmes that make a tangible impact.”

Industry Insights: Trends Shaping Financial Services Skills Development

What trends do you see shaping the future of skills development in financial services?

“There are several key trends reshaping the sector:

• Digital and Data Fluency: Automation and AI are transforming operations, making digital literacy and data-driven decision-making essential at all levels.
• Regulatory Agility: Compliance and risk management skills are becoming critical across functions.
• ESG and Purpose-Driven Business: There’s growing demand for skills related to ethical finance and sustainability reporting.
• Soft Skills and Leadership: As hybrid working models continue, communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership capabilities are more important than ever.
• Lifelong Learning and Career Agility: Upskilling and reskilling are now critical business imperatives, and apprenticeships are seen as a key solution.”

Staying Ahead: Keeping Babington at the Forefront

How do you plan to keep Babington at the forefront of skills development in financial services?

“Our strategy is centred on a few key pillars:

• Industry-Led Curriculum Development: Regular updates to ensure alignment with sector priorities, including digital transformation and regulatory changes.
• Technology-Enhanced Learning: Leveraging AI-driven learning platforms and offering flexible, blended learning models.
• Deep Employer Partnerships: Co-designing programmes with employers to address real-world business challenges.
• Focus on Progression and Inclusion: Creating clear career pathways and ensuring programmes are accessible and inclusive.
• Data-Driven Impact: Using analytics to continuously improve learner outcomes and demonstrate return on investment for employers.”

Overcoming Challenges in Financial Services Skills Development

What challenges do you anticipate, and how do you plan to address them?

“The sector faces challenges around the evolving regulatory environment, the pace of technological change, and attracting diverse young talent.

We are tackling these through agile curriculum design, employer education initiatives, inclusive recruitment practices, and building strong pipelines of early talent. Our goal is to provide real-world solutions that help organisations meet these challenges head-on.”

A Passion for People and Progress

What motivates you in your work?

“I’m a strong advocate for the transformational power of apprenticeships. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch apprentices progress in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their organisations’ success. Supporting their journey—and the future of the sector—is what drives me every day.”

Outside of work, what are your interests or hobbies?

“Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with my family. I coach my son’s football team, love to travel, and enjoy running. In fact, I’ve recently combined my passion for travel and running by completing marathons in Berlin and Amsterdam.”

Final Thoughts & How to Connect

Is there anything else you would like to share with our community?

“It’s an exciting time for financial services apprenticeships. As the sector continues to evolve, apprenticeships offer a powerful way to bridge the gap between education and industry, building a more diverse, skilled, and future-ready workforce. I’m passionate about expanding access to these opportunities and empowering the next generation of talent.”

How can stakeholders, students, or partners get in touch with you?

📧 [email protected]

At Babington, we are proud to be helping shape the future of workforce development in the financial services sector—and we look forward to working with partners to create meaningful, future-focussed solutions.