FirstBank Ghana has officially launched the 2025 edition of its Junior Internship Programme, an initiative aimed at nurturing young talent and instilling vital life and professional skills in children aged 10 to 16.

Speaking at the launch held in Accra on Thursday, July 3, the Managing Director of FirstBank Ghana, Mr Victor Asante, expressed pride in the growth and impact of the initiative since its inception.

“I’m proud that this initiative is now in its third year and continues to bring together a community that believes in growing dreams from the basic level,” he said.

According to him, the programme was introduced two years ago in response to a growing need for early corporate exposure among children.

Initially designed for ages 10 to 14, the programme has since expanded to include 15- and 16-year-olds, recognising the benefits of extending this formative experience to older age groups.

“The goal is to build foundational skills in communication, in confidence and in curiosity through a structured, fun and enriching experience within a professional setting,” Mr Asante explained.

Beyond the acquisition of knowledge, the programme focuses on character development. According to Mr Asante, participants are taught the value of time, teamwork, accountability, innovation, and respect key principles for future success both in and outside of the workplace.

“We are therefore committed to shaping a generation that is not only academically sound, but also emotionally intelligent, digitally aware, and socially responsible,” he added.

Mr Asante emphasised that FirstBank Ghana’s involvement in such programmes is driven by a desire to provide young people with real-life experiences that complement traditional classroom education.

These experiences, he believes, plant the seeds for future leadership and societal impact.

“Our vision is to be more than just a bank we aim to be a platform that unlocks dreams, one child, one experience, and one opportunity at a time. The seeds we are planting today may not bloom tomorrow, but they will grow, and one day these same children will become leaders, change-makers, and innovators.”

He urged this year's soon-to-be interns to embrace every opportunity the initiative will offer in the coming days.

“To our junior interns-to-be: embrace every lesson, every challenge, and every moment.”

The Junior Internship Programme reaffirms FirstBank Ghana’s commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and long-term investment in the nation’s future talent pipeline.

The event also featured goodwill messages from the programme’s corporate partners, each expressing their enthusiasm and commitment to nurturing Ghana’s future business and financial leaders.

Mr Asante shared that the initiative, which began with just a few partners, has steadily gained momentum and wider support from corporate Ghana.

This year’s edition has received strong backing from a range of organisations, including KIVO, Gino, Pepsodent, Awake Mineral Water, Kiki Juice Drink, Top-Up Pharmacy, and the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS).

He emphasised that these partners are more than just sponsors; they are key collaborators in creating a meaningful and life-changing experience for every participating child.

The 2025 Junior Internship Programme is set to run from 14 July to 12 September 2025, offering children the opportunity to engage with professionals across various departments at FirstBank, while also interacting with the Bank’s partners to gain a wider appreciation of the world of work.