How a finance programme is reshaping young careers with skills and confidence
A new report has highlighted the long-term impact of the Pathways to Banking & Finance programme, which has supported nearly 2,000 young people since 2016. The initiative is helping participants build key skills and confidence, with many now working or studying towards careers in finance. The programme’s structured placements have been named its most valuable feature. Alumni report lasting improvements in professional confidence, communication, and networking—skills that many say were lacking before joining. Over half of those surveyed (51%) are still studying with plans to enter finance, while 17% have already secured jobs in the sector.
Participants also credit the programme with boosting their maturity and resilience. However, the report identifies ongoing challenges, including limited access to relatable role models and a persistent information gap about how the finance industry actually works. Many young people still struggle to navigate entry routes, often relying on informal connections rather than clear pathways.
To address these issues, the report recommends stronger links between outreach and recruitment. It calls for transparent routes from early engagement to internships and graduate roles, replacing unstructured ‘who you know’ opportunities with paid, openly advertised work experience. The findings suggest that structured support can significantly improve young people’s chances of entering finance. With nearly a fifth of alumni already employed in the sector, the programme demonstrates how targeted interventions can create clearer, fairer routes into the industry. The report’s recommendations now aim to expand these opportunities further.
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