Citigroup has launched an apprenticeship — a programme more associated with car mechanics and hairdressers — for school-leavers from under-represented backgrounds to join its London operation as large investment banks come under pressure to increase the diversity of candidates they take on.

The US bank is set to hire 12 apprentices for full-time roles, combined with an 18-month training programme, across a number of divisions in its London headquarters in conjunction with Career Ready, a charity that looks to offer opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.