It was through Edinburgh Napier University in 2022 that we met Alex Dumbreck, then a computer software engineering student. Edinburgh Napier University is widely recognised for its strength in technology and AI, with a strong focus on applied research, data science and real-world innovation. A conversation with William Morris, Head of Investments at Weatherbys Private Bank, led to a 48-week placement at the bank and the beginning of a longer journey.
Alex continued working with the bank beyond his placement and subsequent graduation, progressing from a junior to a full stack developer and playing a key role in a major project using AI and machine learning to reduce payment processing times from 20 minutes to as little as one.
Now a permanent employee, with a first-class honours degree under his belt, Alex is helping to build on and strengthen the established relationship with Napier University. This aims to attract students, particularly those with technology and AI skills, into internships and early career roles at Weatherbys, and we are hoping to have two new students start with us in the coming months
Alex said: “Weatherbys were brilliant from day one. They understood that academic commitments come first and were genuinely flexible and trusting. That support made it possible to balance my studies with meaningful, real-world work.”
Stewart Allan, Chief Information Officer, added: “Alex has brought both technical capability and a thoughtful approach to problem solving within the IT team, which has been invaluable. As a forward-looking bank, we invest in technology that supports the personal service our clients value and we hope the Napier partnership will help attract more bright, technically minded students and graduates”.
The partnership complements Weatherbys’ established internship programme, which offers hands on experience across both client facing and central functions, from investment advice and business development to IT, compliance and marketing. Many participants go on to join the bank full time, reflecting our commitment to developing talent for the long term.