Students get first taste of the Square Mile

"I passionately believe the city has a responsibility to do something about it. I was born within the sound of bow bells, so I can claim I'm a real East Ender and a Cockney. My dad was an electrician, my mum was a housewife, but they always told me that anything was possible and how hard can it be. Not all kids are lucky enough to have the encouragement that I've had."

"Many of the students from Woolwich Polytechnic, aged 17 and 18, arrived with a mix of nerves and excitement. Some said they rarely meet anyone who works in the City. For them, the skyline is striking but unfamiliar, a place that appears busy and impressive, but not necessarily designed with them in mind."

"Inside Schroders, they were given an introduction to the world of finance, guided by staff who explained the range of jobs available and the routes into them. Some employees spoke about their own experiences, showing the students that the pathway into such firms was not always as exclusive as it could appear from the outside."

Sixth form students from Woolwich Polytechnic visited asset management firm Schroders in the City of London as part of City Insights Days, an initiative led by Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley to promote diversity and accessibility in finance. The Square Mile employs 670,000 people across finance, law, technology and professional services. Many students had limited exposure to City careers and found the environment intimidating. During their visit, students received introductions to finance, learned about various job roles and career pathways, and heard from employees about their own routes into the industry. The day focused on social mobility, confidence building, and demystifying the financial sector to show that careers in the City are achievable for young people from all backgrounds.

Read at www.bbc.com