The EY Foundation is a charitable company registered in England and Wales and Scotland with registered charity number 1157154 and SC045076. It is also a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
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I signed up to add some more work experience to my portfolio but I gained so much more. I made new friends, I gained more confidence, I also made many connections and learned how to utilise that network.
Applications for our 2026/27 Smart Futures programmes are now open.
Browse our various programmes/dates and apply via the button below.
Why should I apply for the Smart Futures programme?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply for our Smart Futures programme. The process itself is straightforward and it will provide you with quality paid employability skills training, work experience and your own business mentor.
What will I need to apply?
There are two main steps to the application process. The first is an online application form. The second is a short telephone interview.
Step 1 – Online application form
You will be asked to register with us, so you will need an email address to do this (please use your personal email address and not your school one if possible!)
The form itself is short with answers to choose from. You do not have to write lots about your experience or background. You will be asked to choose which programme you would like to apply for, so make sure you have read through the different options on the Smart Futures page and have chosen a programme in a location near you. You will be asked a bit about your background, including some information about your parents/guardians, but remember that most of our Smart Futures programmes do not depend on previous work experience, grades or qualifications.
Please note for places on our Smart Futures Business and Finance programme there are some qualification related criteria e.g. a C/equivalent grade in GCSE English Language, a C/equivalent in GCSE Maths and to be on track for 112 UCAS points with their top 3 A Levels/5 Highers. Candidates also need to have a strong interest in applying for a high level/degree apprenticeship at the end of school/college.
Step 2 - Telephone interview
If your initial application is successful, you will be asked to take part in a short telephone interview that will take up to 30 minutes.
The interviewer will ask questions about your experiences. You can take examples from your school or home life, as well as sharing your future aspirations. The call is designed to help us get to know your individual strengths and motivations for applying to the Smart Futures programme. We want to get to know you, so relax and be yourself.
Browse our regional programmes below:
North:
|
Programme Name |
Location (you must be based in the delivery location) |
Date |
Applications Open / Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Smart Futures Business & Technology |
North West (Manchester/Liverpool) |
23rd Nov to 2nd Dec 2026 - Term Time |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Technology |
Bradford |
15th to 24th Feb 2027 - Half Term and Term Time |
Open |
|
Impactful Futures |
North West (Manchester/Liverpool) |
15th to 24th Feb 2027 - Half Term and Term Time |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business and Finance |
North West (Manchester/Liverpool) |
5th to 14th April 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Technology |
Newcastle |
5th to 14th April 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Technology |
North - Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Bradford - Virtual Week One |
5th to 14th April 2027 |
Open |
|
STEM Futures |
North - Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, Bradford – Virtual Week One |
1st June to 4th June and |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Finance |
Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool (VIRTUAL) |
26th July to 4th Aug 2027 |
Open |
Midlands:
|
Programme Name |
Location (you must be based in the delivery location) |
Date |
Applications Open / Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Smart Futures Business & Technology |
Birmingham |
30th November to 9th December 2026 - Term Time |
Open |
|
Impactful Futures |
Birmingham |
15th to 24th February 2027 |
Open |
|
STEM Futures |
Birmingham |
1st to 4th June and |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Finance |
Birmingham |
9th August to 19th August 2027 (12th August results day & non working day) |
Open |
Scotland:
|
Programme Name |
Location (you must be based in the delivery location) |
Date |
Applications Open / Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Smart Futures Business & Technology |
Aberdeen
|
12th to 21st October 2026 - Term Time |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business and Finance |
Glasgow |
7th to 16th June 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business, Data and Finance |
Edinburgh & Surrounding Areas |
21st to 30th June 2027 |
Open |
South:
|
Programme Name |
Location (you must be based in the delivery location) |
Date |
Applications Open / Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Smart Futures Business, Tech & Sustainability |
London |
30th November to 9th December 2026 - Term Time |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Technology |
London |
15th to 24th February 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Finance |
London |
15th to 24th February 2027 |
Open |
|
Impactful Futures |
London |
15th to 24th February 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Finance |
London |
30th March to 8th April 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Technology |
London |
30th March to 8th April 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Banking & Finance |
London |
30th March to 8th April 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business and Technology (Virtual Week 1) |
Cambridge, Bristol, Southampton, Birmingham orLondon |
30th March to 8th April 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Technology |
Luton |
1st to 4th June and |
Open |
|
Tech Futures |
London |
1st to 4th June and |
Open |
|
Real Estate Futures |
London |
1st to 4th June and |
Open |
|
Data Driven Futures |
London |
1st to 4th June and |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Finance |
London |
26th July to 4th August 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Finance |
London |
9th August to 19th August 2027 |
Open |
|
Private Equity Futures |
London |
26th July to 4th August 2027 |
Open |
|
Smart Futures Business & Technology |
Reading |
26th July to 4th August 2027 |
Open |
