185 BOV employees have this year completed intensive programmes organised by the bank's Training Academy. They were presented with their certificates by the CEO Mario Mallia, accompanied by Paul Gauci, Executive Head of the bank's Training Centre, during the annual event organised specifically for this purpose. Officials of the bank's Management Board were also present.

In his brief intervention, Mr Mallia applauded the participants for their efforts in furthering their development. "In today's dynamic environment, it is essential that we continue to keep abreast of developments in the financial services world. We owe it to our customers, who put their trust in us. We also owe it to ourselves to continue developing professionally." He concluded by saying that the bank looks upon its people as key stakeholders, and investing in their personal development is integral to the bank's Corporate Responsibility.

Mr Gauci explained that these employees concluded intensive assessment-based training in different areas, ranging from 'Credit Environment' to 'Investments'' and 'Leadership' to 'Quality Service'. "These courses are aimed to give our people a sound grounding of core banking training as well as soft skills development. In addition to expanding their knowledge base and skills, these courses enable our workforce to enhance their career development prospects."

In addition to the Training Academy programmes, all bank employees attend other in-house facilitated, short structured courses every year. These include various aspects of financial services procedures, compliance and risk, IT banking/office software, soft skills, management skills and team development, amongst other areas.

Speaking about the importance of ensuring that the bank's Training Academy remains current and relevant, Paul Gauci explained that, "The bank's Training function is currently re-engineering the format of both its long-term programmes as well as the short training courses, with a view to ensuring that they are perfectly aligned to the bank's strategy and business needs, as well as in synch with emerging regulatory requirements."