A record twenty corporate partners will join EY Foundation to deliver employability programmes this Easter, enabling 155 young people from low-income backgrounds to take part across the UK. 

Young people from across England and Scotland will access valuable work experience and specialised skills development, supported by EY Foundation’s employer partners. Participants will gain insight, opportunities, and mentorship to support them in their next steps, tackling the barriers to employment faced by those who qualify for free school meals.

With a focus on the Tech, Security, Banking and Professional Services sectors, the programmes offer targeted support aligned with the interests of young people and the needs of employers.

Given the rapid evolution and growth of these sectors, it’s important that young people are equipped for the jobs of the future and that employers have access to skilled, diverse talent to fill these jobs; EY Foundation programmes connect these two sides of the labour market whilst promoting equitable access to the workplace. 

Specific programme activity includes:

• Tech Futures – more than 80 young people in London and the North West, supported by Ofcom, Blue Prism, UiPath, VerseOne and Azur. The programme was developed in partnership with employers to respond to and support the continued growth of the tech sector.

• Your Future – delivered with Benchmarx, who are returning to the EY Foundation as a partner having supported 4 young people on Smart Futures in 2022. Your Future will focus on enabling young people to successfully transition into apprenticeships.

EY Foundation is delighted to work with a growing range of dedicated partners who are committed to supporting young people and who believe in breaking the link between socio-economic circumstances and career opportunities.