KPMG is giving its backing to a range of initiatives designed to improve social mobility by offering talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds opportunities to fulfil their potential through education and in their careers.
The firm has announced plans to work with the Social Mobility Foundation, Teach First and Push on three complementary programmes, each providing skills workshops, careers mentoring and work placements for young people at KPMG offices or at schools. This is in addition to existing outreach work with school leavers.
The new initiatives include a partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation which will see KPMG providing a mentor for around 25 young students from across the country over a 12 month period, including one to two week work placements.
KPMG will also become the lead supporter of the Teach First Career Insight Programme in which groups of young people will visit businesses for employability workshops to learn about the world of work and be supported by business volunteers to develop their CV and interview skills.
In addition, KPMG is linking up with student advice organisation Push to offer a programme of outreach activities and employability skills training for sixth-formers in target schools identified by KPMG, followed by immersive events at KPMG offices.
Marianne Fallon, head of corporate affairs at KPMG, said: 'For our profession and for business in general to remain relevant, we must reflect the wider society in which we operate. We are delighted to form these partnerships. Alongside our established programmes, they are an important part of our continuing efforts to improve social mobility and access to the profession.'
KPMG has also announced the launch of a new apprenticeship scheme aimed at school and college leavers who want to go into the professional services industry without having to go to university.
The scheme will primarily target 16-19 year olds working towards an NVQ Level 3 Business & Administration qualification and will offer 'on the job' experience and the chance to apply for available secretarial and admin support roles at KPMG at the end of their 13 month training period.
The first intake of seven apprentices to KPMG'S Business Support Academy start in London next week, and the firm says it plans to roll out the programme to other UK offices, primarily Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Reading and Bristol in 2014. The project is being run in partnership with the Educational Outreach team, BPP and the National Apprenticeship Service.
Later this month sees all the main accountancy institutes join forces with other professional bodies for the launch of the UK's first Professions Week. Running from 21 - 27 October 2013, the week will aim to increase interest and awareness among 14 - 19 year olds in the professions and will also support teachers and careers advisors.
