Smart Futures is a youth programme run by the EY Foundation that combines paid work experience, interactive employability skills training and mentoring for young people in Year 12 (England) or S5 (Scotland). The programme is run with employer partners and is designed to give participants practical insight into different industries and working environments while building transferable skills and confidence.

Participants take part in up to two weeks of employability training and workshops, receive a business mentor who supports them through the programme and beyond, and complete paid work experience placements during school holidays. Programmes are industry-specific in some locations (for example Business & Finance, Tech Futures, STEM Futures, Real Estate Futures, Data/Actuarial streams) but are suitable for young people unsure of their exact career path.

Smart Futures runs across many UK locations (including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, Bradford, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Reading and Luton) with multiple term-time, February, Easter, spring and summer cohorts. Applications are via an online form and shortlisted applicants are invited to a short telephone interview.

MathematicsComputer ScienceEngineeringEconomicsBusiness StudiesBusiness, Management & Entrepreneurship

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2025/26 (academic year mentioned on page)

Duration: Up to two weeks of employability skills training plus a period of paid work experience during the school holidays (length and exact schedule vary by programme and location).

Location

In-person, Remote

London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, Bradford, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Reading, Luton, United Kingdom

Various employer partner sites across the UK (including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, Bradford, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Reading, Luton)

Eligible for free school meals at any time in the last two years
Or eligible for a college bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance (where household income is less than A326,000)
In Year 12 (England) or Fifth Year (Scotland) and 16 or 17 years of age during the duration of the programme
Attending a state school
Achieved a minimum of English Language Grade 4 or English Functional Skills Level 2 (exception: Newcastle programmes have no GCSE English Language/Functional Skills requirement)
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 paid work experience in the school holidays to support progression to work or university
For Smart Futures Business & Finance programmes: minimum GCSE Maths Grade 6 for London-based programmes (Grade 5 for other locations), on track for 112 UCAS points with top 3 A Levels/5 Highers, and strong interest in applying for a high level/degree apprenticeship at the end of school/college

Pay & Benefits

Paid work experience with employer partners (exact pay varies by placement and employer).

EY Foundation Smart Futures

What You'll Do

When & Where

Location

Who Can Apply

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