Free employability workshops and paid work experience for young people in Manchester

TheEY Foundation, EY’s independent charity in the UK, is offering Manchester students aged 16 and 17 the chance to unlock their career potential through a series of free employability workshops and paid work experience this summer.

The EY Foundation’s Tech Smart Futures programme is aimed at Year 12 students from lower socio-economic backgrounds with a real interest in the tech sector. The programme will run from the 9-18 August, for 20 young people in the North West and 50 nationally.

The programme includes up to two weeks of paid work experience and aims to give young people the opportunity to get a head start in their career, by gaining transferable skills.

In week one, students will experience interactive employability workshops on communication, self-reflection, leadership and teamwork. Week two will see students complete three days’ work experience with one of the EY Foundation’s corporate partners in the technology sector, who include EY.

Students will also take part in a ‘Dragons Den’ style-challenge in which they will be set a real-life technology related challenge and given a day to prepare an innovative pitch, before presenting to a panel of tech industry experts.

One of last year’s participants said: “It’s been a pleasure to be a part of this programme, my highlight was the Dragon’s Den challenge. Tech Smart Futures challenged me in lots of different ways, and I was able to develop my communication, team working and time management skills.”

Lynne Peabody, EY Foundation Acting CEO, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for young people seeking experience within the tech sector. We are really looking forward to building this programme with more tech organisations, to make a positive impact on young people and tech employers in Manchester. In the UK, roles in technology are growing significantly, so this programme will help ensure the young people we support access the jobs of the future.”

To be eligible to participate, students must be: in Year 12 in a state school, eligible for free school meals at some point in the last two years (they do not necessarily have had to claim), and demonstrate a strong interest in the tech sector. There are no academic entry requirements for the programme, although students do need to complete a short online application and telephone interview. Applications can be made here: Tech Smart Futures Application Form.

Currently the programme is scheduled to be held virtually, but students will be notified of any changes.

The EY Foundation is an independent charity, set up in 2014 to work with young people facing multiple barriers and help them take their next steps into employment and education. Tech Smart Futures features alongside a range of programmes offered by the EY Foundation for students across the UK.