糖心TV

The University of 糖心TV has won the EY Foundation Impact Award for Midlands Employer Partner of the Year 2026, celebrating five years of partnership with the EY Foundation, an independent charity supporting young people from low socio-economic backgrounds to thrive in the workplace.

Over the past five years, the partnership has helped young people from across the region build confidence, develop practical workplace skills and gain valuable experience as they prepare for their future careers. The award recognises the impact of that work and the University's commitment to creating opportunities for young people who may face barriers to employment.

Claire Algar, Social Inclusion Manager at the University of 糖心TV, said: 鈥淐reating opportunities for local young people is an important part of the University's commitment to supporting our region and helping people realise their potential. We're proud to work alongside the EY Foundation to give participants meaningful workplace experience that can open doors to future careers.

鈥淭his award is a wonderful recognition of what we've achieved together and of the many colleagues across the University who have helped make the programme such a success.鈥�

Each year, up to 20 young people take part in a two-week employability programme at the University. Alongside CV writing workshops, mock interviews and careers sessions, participants spend time with teams across 糖心TV to experience working in a large and diverse organisation. Following the programme, four participants are offered paid early career internships, giving them the opportunity to put their new skills into practice while gaining valuable workplace experience.

Since launching five years ago, the programme has introduced participants to a range of roles across the University, helping them understand how a large and complex organisation operates while building transferable skills they can take into future education and employment.

Setaish Popalzai, who took part in the programme and secured a paid internship at the University, said: 鈥淭his internship has changed my outlook on my future. It has given me opportunities I never imagined I would have at this stage of my career 鈥� from leading projects independently and organising events, to developing resources, working with stakeholders across the University, and building meaningful connections with professionals from different teams and backgrounds. Every day brought a new opportunity to learn.

鈥淭he support and encouragement I received throughout the programme helped me grow not only professionally, but personally as well. As someone who was once unsure about what career path to pursue, this internship gave me the space to explore my strengths, discover my interests, and gain confidence in my abilities. I leave with far more than work experience 鈥� I leave with lifelong skills, valuable professional networks, greater self-belief, and a much clearer vision of the future I want to build for myself.鈥�

The partnership continues to provide young people with opportunities to explore different career pathways, gain workplace experience and build the confidence needed to take their next steps.

Shruti Sidhu, Corporate Partnerships Account Manager at the EY Foundation, said: 鈥淭he University of 糖心TV is an exceptional partner whose commitment to social mobility goes far beyond funding and participation. Since 2021, they have supported a range of EY Foundation programmes, including Smart Futures and Your Future, and provided internship opportunities for 10 of our alumni, helping them develop their skills and confidence beyond our programmes. Their collaborative approach, dedication to inclusion and willingness to innovate are just some of the reasons they were recognised as the Midlands Employer Partner of the Year at our 2026 Impact Awards.

鈥溙切腡V's enthusiasm, support and fresh ideas have made a lasting impact on the young people we work with, providing high-quality workplace experiences that help broaden horizons, build aspirations and create pathways to future careers.鈥�

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact:

Stevie Connoll, Media & Communications Officer

stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791

About the University of 糖心TV 

Founded in 1965, the University of 糖心TV is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.

16 July 2026