Blue Prism supporting young people into work


The EY Foundation is collaborating with Blue Prism for a second year to support students from low-income backgrounds to develop the skills they need to succeed in the tech sector.

 

In April 2021, ten young people will join the ten-month Tech Smart Futures programme, where they will have opportunities to gain a variety of transferable skills and paid work experience with Blue Prism. This will help them identity their next step after school, whether that’s university, college, an apprenticeship or a job. They will also receive guidance and advice from a mentor throughout the programme.

 

Through the continued collaboration with the EY Foundation, Blue Prism will build a more diverse workforce and gain a deeper understanding of how to attract and retain young talent. Not only will this set up local students for success in the workplace, it will prepare Blue Prism to serve its increasingly diverse customer base.

 

Declan, a student who took part in the programme with Blue Prism last year said: 


Thank you EY Foundation and Blue Prism for the 2-week placement. This has been an amazing, fulfilling and invaluable experience which has developed me as a person and put me on the next step towards my goal

Blue Prism Head of Automation & Transformation and Global For Good Lead Matt Juden-Bloomfield said: 


Last year’s Smart Future/Blue Prism programme was an incredible experience for everyone involved…despite the complexities COVID-19 threw up! And we saw first-hand the incredible passion and drive these young people had to learn about the future of work and automation. This year we’re back for more and ever more certain that providing training to young people in the skills they need to thrive in tomorrow’s world – is absolutely the way to begin breaking down the barriers for young people, specifically from minoritized communities, to get into tech and ensure the benefits of automation can be enjoyed by everyone. I cannot wait to meet this year’s cohort and get started!

Lynne Peabody, EY Foundation Acting CEO said: 


It’s fantastic to be working with Blue Prism again and we are looking forward to building this programme with more tech organisations over the coming months, to make a positive impact on young people and tech employers. In the UK, roles in technology are expected to grow significantly, so this relationship will help ensure the young people we support access the jobs of the future.

Technology companies who would like to find out more about the Tech Smart Futures programme should contact Acting Head of Business Development, Kathryn Eastwood kathryn.eastwood@eyfoundation.ey.com.