What is Smart Futures?

Smart Futures is a 10-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 formally recognised and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management, 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.

What does the Smart Futures programme involve?

On the Smart Futures programme, you will:

• Get real experience of the working world and take part in paid work experience with one of our employer partners, during the school holidays. Take a look at some of the companies you could be working with here
• Benefit from up to two weeks of employability skills training and interactive workshops, including team-building introductory sessions where you will meet other young people on the programme
• Have a mentor who will support you throughout the programme and beyond, advising you on your first steps into professional working life or university
• Be invited to a series of alumni events, throughout your final year at school or college
• Learn about different industries, organisations and working environments
• Gain a wide variety of transferable skills to give you a head start in your career
• Have opportunities to practice your networking skills

Choosing the right programme for you

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 2023 are:

Smart Futures Professional Services

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 CBI with the Chartered Banker Institute

Sector: banking

The Chartered Banker Institute is the largest professional body for bankers in the UK. This programme is ideal for those interested in banking, finance or accountancy, giving you a chance to understand what a banking career will involve and the skills necessary to enter this demanding sector.

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.

Sustainable Finance Futures

Sector: sustainable finance

Are you interested in sustainability? Do you want to learn more about ‘sustainable finance’, what this involves, and the jobs associated? If so, this is the programme for you!

Smart Futures – Government Commercial Function

Sector: public sector (Civil Service)

The Government Commercial Function (GCF) is a cross-government network procuring (purchasing) goods and services for the government. GCF is part of the Civil Service and the Cabinet Office. This programme provides a unique opportunity to learn more about a career in a key department within the Civil Service.

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.

Can I be part of the Smart Futures programme?

To apply, you must be:

• Eligible for free school meals at any time in the last two years. You can see if you are eligible using this tool

Or

• Eligible for a college bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance (where household income is less than £24,421)

Plus

• In Year 12 (England) or Fifth Year (Scotland) at the time the programme starts
• Attending a state school
• Studying any combination of A-level/International Baccalaureate/BTEC Level 3s/National 5/Highers
• Ambitious and motivated to learn about the world of work
• Looking for great paid work experience in the school holidays that will help you secure a job after school, or a place at university

*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.