EY Foundation's flagship Smart Futures programme is a 12-month programme giving young people the opportunity to gain paid work experience and take part in interactive employability skills workshops during the school holidays.
They are also offered the opportunity to network with both employers and other young people, as well as having access to their own supportive mentor to help guide them into the first stage of a career or higher education.
Students can only take part if they have been recently eligible for free school meals, a college bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
What does the Smart Futures programme involve?
On the Smart Futures programme, you will:
Get real experience of the working world and take part in paid work experience with one of our employer partners, during the school holidays. Take a look at some of the companies you could be working with here
Benefit from up to two weeks of employability skills training and interactive workshops, including team-building introductory sessions where you will meet other young people on the programme
Have a mentor who will support you throughout the programme and beyond, advising you on your first steps into professional working life or university
Be invited to a series of alumni events as part of our 'Limitless Series', throughout your final year at school or college
Learn about different industries, organisations and working environments
Gain a wide variety of transferable skills to give you a head start in your career
Have opportunities to practice your networking skills
Choosing the right programme for you
The Smart Futures programme is supported by EY and a range of other employer partners across the UK. We offer some industry-specific programmes which offer tailored work-experience opportunities and insight into particular industries and sectors; however it doesn't matter if you don't know exactly what career you would like to go into, all of our Smart Futures programmes will give you a great experience of the world of work and will teach you lots of transferrable skills. All of the programmes below provide participants with paid work experience and employability skills training alongside the support of a business mentor. Some of the different Smart Futures programmes we will offer in 2023 are: Smart Futures Business and Finance Sector: professional services A programme for young people interested in a career at EY / professional services. The programme will help you take your first steps into a career in accounting, consulting, or other professional services and is appropriate for those who wish to apply for a high level / degree apprenticeship at the end of school or college. Secure Futures Sector: security This programme offers the opportunity to gain experience in and an understanding of the variety of roles available in the security industry, keeping us safe online, in the workplace, at home, and in public spaces. Tech Futures Sector: technology The technology and digital sector continues to grow as the world is shaped by virtual experiences. This specialist programme, supported by international technology companies, provides insight, work experience and mentorship from technology professionals developing the latest digital advancements. Smart Futures with the Chartered Banker Institute Sector: banking Are you interested in pursuing a career within banking and finance? Join this programme to learn about the variety of roles available including branch banking, technology, sustainability, marketing, risk, and relationship management. Build an understanding of how banking works, develop your skills, make connections, and discover the opportunities that exist in this innovative and ever-changing industry. Met Futures Sector: public sector Are you interested in finding out more about the wide range of corporate service roles and jobs provided by the Metropolitan Police? The Met Futures programme provides Year 12 students based in London with the opportunity to take part in a 3-week internship and business mentoring programme with the Metropolitan Police. Impactful Futures Sector: charity The charity sector is a rewarding career option and one with a broad range of roles which can bring about positive change in society. Impactful Futures gives you the opportunity to learn more about and experience a fantastic career within this sector. STEM Futures Sector: science, technology, engineering and mathematics Gain insight, knowledge and experience of careers linked to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through the STEM Futures programme.
Programmes currently open for applications (please note, we close applications once we receive a high number of applications, please apply asap to avoid disappointment):
Download the Smart Futures brochure for further detail on the programme
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