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
Smart Futures has helped me with one of the biggest barriers I have had in my life, I can finally walk into a room and feel like it doesn’t matter where I am from, I can do this.
Smart Futures is a 12-month programme which includes paid work experience, interactive employability skills training and mentoring for those in Year 12 or S5 in Scotland. The Smart Futures programme is supported by a range of different employers to suit different career ambitions and will help you develop key skills that are essential in the workplace.
The Smart Futures programme is run across many different locations in the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
On the Smart Futures programme, you will:
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 2024 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.
Data Driven Futures: Actuaries
Sector: data, business analysts and risk
Actuaries are like superheroes for businesses. They perform a very cool job, but instead of possessing superhuman strength, they have a superhuman understanding of numbers and risks. Imagine you're organising a big outdoor birthday party. There could be lots of things that might go wrong, right? Rain could spoil the party, guests could arrive late, or too many people could show up. An actuary’s job is very similar. They look at all the things that could possibly go wrong in business scenarios - like launching a new product or offering a new insurance plan - and then use their mathematical skills to predict how likely these events are to happen and how much they could cost the company. This helps businesses plan better, save money, and make smart decisions for the future.
Trade Futures
Sector: government / HMRC
This programme offers insights into working with the civil service and EY on a government consulting programme looking at Trade initiatives. You will have an opportunity to learn about the big issues affecting the UK, our borders and trade and meet the professionals working to solve these problems. Alongside a team of civil servants, you will develop an understanding of a civil service workplace within one of the UK government's largest agencies.
Real Estate Futures
Sector: Real Estate
Step into the world of high rises and horizon-changing projects with Real Estate Futures, an immersive programme designed to increase your understanding of the property sector. Like urban planners of a future development, you'll gain the skills and insights to build a career that shapes our communities and cities.
To apply, you must be:
Or
Plus
*For Smart Futures Professional Services, applicants also need a C/equivalent grade in GCSE English Language, 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 an interest in applying for a high level / degree apprenticeship at the end of school/college.
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