EY Foundation Smart Futures 2026/27 | Paid Work Experience, Training and Mentoring for Young People in the UK
The EY Foundation Smart Futures programme is a career development opportunity helping young people gain workplace experience, employability skills, and professional mentoring before leaving school. It combines paid work experience, interactive training, and business mentoring across multiple UK sectors and locations.
Overview
The EY Foundation Smart Futures programme is a career development opportunity designed to help young people gain practical workplace experience, develop essential employability skills, and receive professional mentoring before leaving school. The initiative combines paid work experience, interactive skills training, and business mentoring across multiple sectors and locations in the UK.
The 2026/27 cycle features various programmes spanning diverse career areas, including:
- Smart Futures Business and Finance (Professional Services)
- Secure Futures (Security)
- Tech Futures (Technology)
- Smart Futures Banking and Finance (Banking)
- Impactful Futures (Charity)
- STEM Futures (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
- Data Driven Futures (Data, Business Analysis and Risk)
- Private Equity Futures (Private Equity)
- Real Estate Futures (Real Estate)
Eligibility
Applicants must meet specific financial, age, and educational requirements to qualify for the programme:
- Financial Eligibility: Must have been eligible for Free School Meals during the previous two years, or be eligible for a college bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
- Age and Education: Must be in Year 12 in England or Fifth Year (S5) in Scotland, aged 16 or 17 during the programme, attend a state school, study an eligible qualification combination, and meet English language grade requirements.
- Additional Requirements: Business and Finance programmes require specific GCSE Maths grades and projected UCAS points.
Benefits
- Real-world paid work experience with employer partners.
- Up to two weeks of interactive employability skills training and workshops.
- Guidance and support from a dedicated business mentor.
- Networking opportunities and invitations to alumni events through the Limitless Series.
How to Apply
The application process consists of two primary stages:
- Online Application: Register and complete a short online form using a personal email address, selecting a preferred programme and location.
- Telephone Interview: Shortlisted candidates participate in a telephone interview lasting up to 30 minutes to discuss experiences, strengths, motivations, and aspirations.
Deadline
There is no single overall deadline for all Smart Futures 2026/27 programmes. Applications are listed according to individual programme dates and locations, with several programmes currently open.