Working class young Londoners got first hand access to some of the City of London’s top firms, under a new initiative launched by the City’s Lady Mayor.
Dame Susan Langley says she hopes City Insights Days will break down barriers to a career in the City and contribute towards her mayoral ambition of ‘unsquaring the Square Mile’.
Under the scheme, which ran as part of the London Careers Festival, young people got hands-on visits to top banks, insurers, law firms and other City businesses, with the aim of opening career pathways which might otherwise remain firmly closed.
It’s part of the City of London Corporation’s drive to increase social mobility and address the fact that less than a third of those in senior roles in the UK’s financial and professional services sector come from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Lady Mayor of the City of London Dame Susan Langley said:
“As someone who grew up in the East End, I know from experience that a career in the City can seem like a remote and daunting prospect for young people from working‑class backgrounds.
“This is about breaking down those barriers so potential City workers of the future can see the Square Mile is for everyone – giving them a glimpse of the opportunities available and the confidence to grasp them.
“A more socially diverse workforce is not only fairer, it strengthens the City and the wider financial and professional services sector by bringing in fresh perspectives and new approaches from people of different backgrounds.”
City Insights Days were aimed at highlighting the breadth of roles available within City businesses, through interactive sessions, workplace tours or conversations with teams.
Businesses signed up include financial and professional services sector firms such as Schroders, HSBC, Bloomberg, KPMG and the Bank of England.
The scheme formed part of the annual City Corporation-run London Careers Festival, which attracted over 6,000 students from primary and secondary schools and sixth form colleges across London to Guildhall and venues around the City and beyond.
Chair of the London Careers Festival and Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Education Board Naresh Sonpar said:
“London Careers Festival is open to all and helps young Londoners broaden their horizons, build confidence and see real options for their future.
“It also helps take the mystery out of the Square Mile. When students step into real workplaces and meet people doing the jobs, the City stops feeling like it’s for ‘other people’ and starts to feel achievable.
“As someone on the autistic spectrum and the son of a refugee, I know the Square Mile can feel intimidating at first, but creativity and diverse thinking are essential for the City’s future.”
London Careers Festival and City Insight Days ran from March 2 to 13. More information is at www.londoncareersfestival.org.uk
