Demystifying the charity sector: Elize’s experience as an EY Foundation apprentice

I’m an Executive Assistant Apprentice to the CEO of the EY Foundation, Lynne Peabody. I started my apprenticeship in July 2025, and I’m now coming into month nine of my 20‑month apprenticeship with the Foundation.

2.      What were your initial thoughts about working in a charity before you started, and how have those thoughts changed during your apprenticeship?

Before joining the EY Foundation, I didn’t have a clear idea of what working in a charity involved. I imagined it would be quite limited and mostly focused on fundraising or community‑based work, but it was an area that I knew very little about and wanted a chance to be involved in a job with a bigger purpose.

Once I started my apprenticeship, I realised how much goes on in the background — the planning, structure, collaboration, and strategy that all contribute to supporting young people. It’s a lot more dynamic and faster‑paced than I expected, and it’s shown me just how much impact a charity can have when everyone works together with purpose.

3.      What has surprised you the most about the day-to-day operations of a charity? Are there any aspects of the work that you didn’t expect?

What’s surprised me most is just how much work happens behind the scenes across the whole organisation. Not just around the programmes themselves, but everything that needs to be in place before, during, and after they happen. There are so many different teams all contributing in their own ways: operations making sure everything runs smoothly, safeguarding ensuring young people are supported safely, partnerships building opportunities, finance, impact measurement, comms, and so much more. I didn’t realise how many moving parts there were, or how much planning, detail, and collaboration it takes to deliver the level of support we offer young people.

On a personal level, I’ve also been surprised by how involved I’ve been able to get in the day‑to‑day work. Even as an apprentice, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with the CEO, the leadership team and engage with the Board of Trustees. It’s genuinely shaped my journey so far, influencing how I approach challenges and decisions, and has given me a level of experience I didn’t imagine having this early on.

4.      Can you share a specific moment or experience during your apprenticeship so far that made you feel like you were making a difference in the lives of young people?

A moment that really stands out to me was quite early into my apprenticeship. About a month in, I helped on the Smart Futures programme, specifically on the Business Challenge Day. Seeing the young people come out of their shells, grow in confidence, and really push themselves was amazing to watch. When I attended their graduation, seeing how far they’d come and how proud they were of themselves genuinely moved me. It made me realise how all the behind‑the‑scenes work contributes to moments of real growth for them.

Another part of my role that makes me feel like I’m making a difference is the Smart Futures phone call interviews I do regularly. Hearing young people talk about their achievements, their goals, and what they want to develop is so inspiring. Being able to have those conversations and help them take that step toward being part of the programme feels really special. It’s those smaller, everyday moments as much as the big events that remind me why I love working at the EY Foundation.

5.      What new skills or knowledge have you gained during your apprenticeship that you think will be valuable in your future career?

I’ve gained so many skills already during my apprenticeship so far, both practical and personal. One of the biggest areas of growth has been my confidence; communicating with different teams, speaking to senior leaders, and managing responsibilities I never expected to have this early on. I’ve also developed strong organisational skills from balancing day‑to‑day tasks with longer‑term projects, and I’ve learnt how to prioritise effectively and stay calm when things get busy.

Working closely with so many different people across the organisation has also given me a real understanding of how a charity operates at a strategic level. On top of that, I’ve picked up technical skills and built experience in handling interviews, supporting events, and coordinating tasks across teams. These skills are incredibly valuable, not only just for this role but for wherever my career takes me in the future.

6.      What advice would you give to other young people considering an internship, apprenticeship, or career in the charity sector?

My biggest piece of advice is to go for it with an open mind. You don’t need to know everything before you start. The charity sector is full of supportive people who want you to grow and succeed. Be willing to ask questions, show curiosity, and take on opportunities even if they feel slightly outside your comfort zone, because that’s where you learn the most.

Working in a charity gives you the chance to develop real skills while also contributing to something that genuinely makes a difference. It’s a great way to build confidence, understand how different teams work together, and discover strengths you didn’t know you had. If you’re someone who wants a role with purpose and wants to feel proud of the impact you’re making, an apprenticeship or internship in the charity sector is an amazing place to start.

To learn more about EY Foundation’s work and get involved, visit our website at www.eyfoundation.com.