Smart Futures - get paid to have a great experience of work
Smart Futures is a ten month programme which starts with paid work experience during Easter* and summer. It will give you a variety of transferable skills to give you a head start. Smart Futures can make you more employable, helping you with your next steps whether that’s university, college, an apprenticeship or a job.

EY Foundation Impact Report 2019/2020
How to apply
To be eligible for the programme you must be:
Eligible for Free School Meals at some point in the past two years (i.e. household income has been less than £16,190 in England or £16,105 in Scotland)
or
Eligible for College Bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) (where household income is less than £24,421)
plus
Currently in Year 12 (England) or Fifth Year (Scotland)
Attending a state school
Studying any combination of A-level/International Baccalaureate/BTEC Level 3s/National/Highers
Ambitious and motivated to join the world of work
Looking for a great paid work experience this summer or Easter* that will help you secure a job after school, or a place at university.
Apply now
Applications for these programmes can be made by clicking the below button.
Service Line | Location | Programme | Programme dates |
Smart Futures - Summer |
Birmingham/Coventry |
Smart Futures |
01/06/2021-04/06/2021 & 26/07/2021-28/07/2021 |
Smart Futures - Summer |
Edinburgh |
Smart Futures |
28/06/2021-09/07/2021 |
Smart Futures - Summer |
Southampton |
Smart Futures |
12/07/2021-23/07/2021 |
Smart Futures - Summer |
Mercers London (open to Lewisham residents only) |
Smart Futures |
19/07/2021-02/08/2021 |
Smart Futures - Summer |
Newcastle |
Smart Futures | 26/07/2021 - 04/08/2021 |
Smart Futures - Summer |
Bristol |
Smart Futures |
02/08/2021-13/08/2021 |
Tech Futures | North West | Smart Futures | 09/08/2021-18/08/2021 |
Smart Futures - Summer |
Cambridge |
Smart Futures |
16/08/2021-27/08/2021 |