2025-26 Impact Report Spotlight Story: James Manley

I first found out about the EY Foundation’s Smart Futures programme through my Head of Sixth Form, who regularly shared opportunities for summer schools and work experience placements. 

At the time, I hadn’t had any corporate experience. But the programme gave me my first real insight into a professional environment and helped build my confidence quickly.

During the placement, I worked with the Tax Technology and Transformation team, which is where I’m now based. We worked on projects that included designing and prototyping software, which was really interesting and gave me a much better understanding of how technology is used in a business setting.

A big part of the experience for me was the support I received, especially from my mentor. They helped me with things like writing my first CV for a part-time job, improving my revision techniques, and giving guidance on UCAS personal statements and apprenticeship applications. That kind of support made a huge difference at an early stage.

The programme also helped me develop key skills like communication, teamwork and working to deadlines, and introduced me to alternative pathways like degree apprenticeships.

I chose to pursue a degree apprenticeship, which allowed me to undertake university studies one day per week while gaining hands-on experience in the workplace for the remaining four days. Being able to apply what I was learning in my degree directly to my day-to-day role, and learning on the job at the same time, really helped me develop quickly.

I’m now working in the same team I first did my work experience in, and I’ve never looked back. 

2.      What do you think are the biggest barriers to young people from under-represented backgrounds moving into professional careers?

I think one of the biggest barriers is access to opportunities. Not everyone grows up knowing what professional careers are out there or how to get into them, so even understanding the different pathways available can be a challenge. 

Confidence and feeling comfortable in a professional environment is also really important. If you haven’t had that exposure before, it can be harder to know how to navigate those spaces or feel confident putting yourself forward, even when you have the potential.

That’s why initiatives like the EY Foundation’s Smart Future programme are so valuable. It provides an opportunity to gain paid work experience and employability skills training alongside the support of a business mentor.

3.      What more do you feel needs to be done by schools and employers (and anyone else) to support social mobility?

I think it starts with better access to structured careers guidance, so all young people have a clear understanding of the opportunities available to them and how to access them.

There also needs to be meaningful exposure to the workplace. Work experience, mentoring and employer-led programmes can make a big difference in building confidence and giving young people a better understanding of different professional environments.

Employers have a big role to play here as well. Increasing outreach to schools, students and early talent through things like volunteering and CSR initiatives can really help bridge that gap.

Ultimately, it’s about making opportunities more visible and accessible, so everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

4.      What advice would you give to young people from low-income backgrounds who want to move into the industry?

Take advantage of every opportunity available to you, even if it feels outside your comfort zone. Work experience and mentoring programmes can provide valuable insights and help to build confidence early on.

It’s also important not to count yourself out. You don’t need to have everything figured out or feel completely ready to take the next step. A lot of the time, it’s about being willing to learn and putting yourself forward.

I’d also say it’s okay to try things and realise they’re not for you. Every experience helps you understand what you enjoy and where your strengths are, and that’s all part of the process.

Finally, make use of the support that’s out there. Whether it’s teachers, mentors or organisations focused on social mobility, there are people and programmes designed to help you succeed.

With the right mindset and support, there are more pathways into professional careers than people might realise.