Inspiring young people with Young Enterprise

Civica employees are mentoring students on the Young Enterprise 'Learn to Earn' programme

Two Civica employees have visited a senior school in Bristol, one of the fastest growing cities for the technology sector, to support the Young Enterprise Learn to Earn programme. The initiative aims to help students make the best decisions about their future careers and understand all the opportunities available to them.

Megan Jones and Lee Smith from Civica mentored groups of students throughout the day, helping them to consider financial plans for the future such as salaries and the cost of living, set realistic goals and think about how their personal strengths could match different career paths. They discussed their job roles and career journeys with the students, while talking about Civica’s growing graduate and apprenticeship programme.

Lee, Software Support Analyst, has been volunteering with Young Enterprise ever since Civica partnered with the charity in 2018.

“I’ve been fortunate to engage with students who lack a sense of direction, which can stem from growing up in a challenging home environment. But when you spend time with those kids, you realise that they’re driven and ambitious. They just need to be steered onto the right path.

“With Young Enterprise, I can share my own story with the students and show that a dream career is possible if you put the work in, whatever your background. Once you’ve broken their tough exterior, those students really shine at the activities and give serious thought to their future.”

Megan joined Civica as a graduate in an apprenticeship role and has since progressed to Service Desk Analyst. She was particularly impressed by the students actively considering the practicality of their futures.

“Learn to Earn was a thought-provoking workshop that really engaged the students, whether they had a career in mind or not. It was a delight to listen to their aspirations and tell them about my career journey too.

“It’s clear what a difference Young Enterprise makes for students during those uncertain school years, and I’d absolutely recommend other businesses to support with future workshops.”

You can read about how Civica people further support the leaders of tomorrow here.