Do you want to study? Do you also want financial assistance, study leave and flexible working hours? Find out what is on offer from banks in New Zealand and Australia

Journal of Banking and Financial Services, Oct-Nov, 2003

* Reimbursement of costs associated with child minding costs incurred by undertaking external study

How many degrees are you funding?

The National spent more than $1.35 million on financial assistance to employees for external study assistance over the past 12 months.

More than 1000 employees receive financial assistance and many more are helped with study and exam leave, and flexible working hours. The data recorded for study assistance does not allow for direct numbers to be extracted for split of undergraduate and postgraduate degree. However, a "general indication" of undergraduate degrees is about 60 per cent, with the remainder postgraduate.

Most common courses?

The National recognises the need for employees to have access to higher qualifications in order to meet the demands of a competitive global workplace and to assist employees in pursuing broader job, promotional and career opportunities.

Study assistance is provided at the business unit level on the basis of individual departmental and employee needs, and courses in the following disciplines are encouraged:

* Accounting

* Agricultural economics/agribusiness

* Arts/humanities

* Business/finance/commerce/economics

* Engineering/science

* Information systems/technology/computing

St George Bank

Why encourage undergraduate and postgraduate study?

"Our customer satisfaction levels are significantly higher than the majors because of the quality of our products and our people. We encourage and invest in the learning and growth of our people because the more capable and satisfied they are, the better our customer experience."

Dr Brett Wright, chief general manager, human resources

Is there a growing trend to fund more postgraduate degrees?

"Yes. Every staff member has a career development plan, which can include undergraduate and postgraduate study. We work on developing credible and inspiring leaders at St George. Part of that process is that we offer an online MBA through IMIA and Charles Sturt University."

Dr Wright

Practical help?

At St George we offer generous financial help to staff who are studying which includes:

* Compulsory registration fees

* Tuition fees

* Student union fees

* HECS costs

* Fares and accommodation costs for compulsory residential schools

Staff are also eligible for six days paid study leave each year to:

* Go to exams held during working hours (one day)

* Study (one day per subject per semester)

* Attend mandatory residential courses

How many degrees are you funding?

At St George, managers are accountable for the performance and development of their own people. Agreeing to fund graduate or postgraduate studies is purely their own business decision, so we don't centrally track this data.

The National Bank of New Zealand Ltd

Why encourage undergraduate and postgraduate study?

"The principle of continuous learning and self development is an integral part of the bank's corporate philosophy. The bank recognises the importance of attracting and retaining highly skilled and flexible staff who are able to meet our customers' needs.