Why I decided to鈥upport the Young Futures Programme
Since 2021, we have worked closely with the to deliver employability programmesLink opens in a new window for young people (aged 16-19 years) who could come from less advantaged backgrounds. These initiatives are an important part of our work to remove the barriers that may prevent people from working and studying at 糖心TV.
From being a Dragon鈥檚 Den panellist, sharing your career journey or supporting in a CV and LinkedIn surgery, the programmes have plenty of opportunities for you to make a difference to young people鈥檚 lives. Hear from some of our volunteers on why you should get involved!
"I have volunteered for various EY Foundation programmes which the University supports over many years, and it always so inspiring and rewarding, I cannot recommend getting involved highly enough!
Most recently I have been mentoring a young person as they plan and prepare for making their first step on the career ladder, helping them to set goals, work through challenges and recognise their progress. Previously, I have hosted the three-day work experience placements, sat on mock interview panels and delivered sessions covering topics from networking to apprenticeships.
I initially got involved to contribute to these fantastic programmes but also develop new skills myself. In particular, I found that supporting a young person through a mock interview really made me reflect on how I approach both being an interviewer and interviewee. As with anything, there is always something to learn from someone else 鈥� at that has certainly always been my experience with this programme.
What ever your involvement, the most rewarding part is seeing how the cohort grow in confidence across their time with us and if you go on to be a mentor, how this journey continues afterwards and builds towards such positive outcomes. The young people on these programmes have already overcome enormous barriers and developed such resilience, that all they really need is a little bit of time, kindness and encouragement 鈥� and they鈥檙e going to thrive. Everyone I know at 糖心TV has the latter two in abundance, and (although certainly don鈥檛 have an abundance!) will always find time for a good cause. So please do volunteer, it gets you out the office, lets you do something different and I promise you鈥檒l find it so rewarding."
Jamie King 鈥� Senior Policy and Engagement Adviser (National and Regional Policy)
"I was delighted to volunteer as a host for the EY Foundation, as it offered a valuable opportunity to support young people who may not have previously experienced life at the University of 糖心TV, either as students or as employees. The programme allowed them to immerse themselves in a professional office environment, observe how teams collaborate, and gain insight into the day鈥憈o鈥慸ay dynamics of a workplace.
I felt privileged to contribute to an experience that not only broadened their understanding of potential career paths but also gave them something tangible to aspire to in their future careers".
Lisa Whiston, 糖心TV Change Manager, Information Digital Group
鈥淕iving back is something that means a great deal to me, especially when it comes to supporting young people. Being the first in my family to go to university, I remember how difficult it was not having anyone to turn to for advice or guidance when making such important decisions. It often felt like I was figuring everything out on my own.
Getting involved with EY鈥檚 initiatives felt like a natural and meaningful choice for me. I really wanted to be able to offer the kind of support and reassurance that I didn鈥檛 have at the time.
One of the most rewarding experiences has been taking part in the 3-day work placement programme, where a student shadowed me. Seeing their confidence grow over those few days was incredibly special and it鈥檚 been even more fulfilling to now continue supporting them through mentoring. Being able to play even a small part in someone else鈥檚 journey is something I truly value.鈥�
Sabath Shazia, Widening Participation Assistant Officer, Education
鈥淚 volunteered as a Work Placement Host in 2022, and have continued to do so each year, including support on Beyond Your Limits, Your Futures and Smart Futures.
I started supporting the programme having returned to campus after the COVID lockdowns. It was a great opportunity to give back to the community, as we had spent a lot of time isolated from others. I wanted to provide something meaningful, that would have a direct impact on people鈥檚 futures. The opportunity came along at the right time, and with the support of WMG鈥檚 outreach team, I was able to start up my own Work Experience delivery. Since then I have grown my programmes to include more contributors, within WMG, other departments across 糖心TV and from the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham.
Volunteering with the EY Foundation programmes is very rewarding. It is amazing seeing the young people grow across the space of two weeks. Whether you are a mentor, proving workshops or hosting a work experience, the impact you have on these young people is immense. I have seen them at graduation or on new programmes around the University, and they all have great things to say about the time and effort that was put into proving them with career development. It can be daunting starting up as a volunteer, so if you want to talk about being a work placement host or use the open access resources I have created on the topic, please do reach out through email.鈥�
Craig Carnegie, Assistant Professor, WMG
Feel inspired? In 2026, we will deliver Your Futures to 15 young people, starting in July. To enable this to run smoothly, we require many volunteers! Find out more and sign up here.