Empowering Futures: SPW's Work Experience Week with the Social Mobility Foundation
At SPW, we recently had the pleasure of hosting a Work Experience Week, providing an invaluable opportunity for sixth-form students to gain insight into the professional world. This initiative was made possible through our partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation, who support high-achieving young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
The week was filled with engaging activities, hands-on projects, and mentorship from our dedicated team members. Participants were introduced to various aspects of our business, including marketing, finance, operations and of course, our fantastic advisers. They had the chance to work on projects, attend workshops, and receive guidance from experienced professionals. This immersive experience not only helped students develop their skills but also gave them a glimpse into potential career paths.
We are proud to support the next generation of professionals and are committed to fostering a learning environment that encourages growth and development. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive.
Early Career engagements are incredibly valuable, not only for the young people gaining insight into the world of work, but for us as a business and as professionals too. The work experience week highlighted the two-way benefit of work experience opportunities: welcoming fresh perspectives and enthusiasm into our workplace, whilst giving colleagues opportunity to reflect and simplify their complex roles into understandable, bitesize chunks. The young people were inquisitive, curious and provided new insights into Youth trends today - seeing their excitement to learn and confidence to challenge our way of thinking was refreshing and energising. The week reinforced why inclusive opportunities matter - not just for the future leaders we’re helping to shape, but for the diversity of thought they bring. A brilliant experience all round!
Talis Harris, Project Lead at SPW
Did you know?
Working class applicants are 15% less likely to get an offer to a school leaver or apprenticeship role, compared to their peers from professional backgrounds*. And graduates from a low socio-economic background are 32% less likely to get a job offer than applicants from professional backgrounds*.
SPW’s purpose is to change lives; by working to support social mobility across the UK, we hope to help break down these barriers and increase the opportunity of future talent entering the financial services.
* CEPEO Working Paper No. 25-01 Inequalities in Access to Professional Occupations
