Paid internships in the ‘Square Mile’ open doors to new source of City talent
18 September 2013
Over 100 talented students from London boroughs on the edges of the ‘Square Mile’ are set to start their first term at university fresh from paid summer internships at Square Mile firms.
Thu, 19 Sep 2013Over 100 talented students from London boroughs on the edges of the ‘Square Mile’ are set to start their first term at university fresh from paid summer internships at Square Mile firms.
The City Business Traineeships (CBT) programme, funded by the City of London Corporation and delivered by The Brokerage Citylink, places students aged 18-19 who live or attend state schools in the seven boroughs with prestigious City firms, encouraging them to develop workplace and networking skills and to take a step-up on the competitive career ladder without the financial burden of working for free.
Following their A-levels, applicants are coached in a series of CV, interview and sector-specific workshops before they are put forward for placements, where they experience real, competitive recruitment processes.
Since 2000, the scheme has helped almost 1,000 young people into internships with more than 100 of the City’s biggest businesses.
Melissa Lucien, recruitment manager at The Brokerage Citylink, says: “The City Business Traineeship programme creates links between top firms and the best talent London has to offer. We don’t believe that the best work and networking opportunities should only be handed to those with established links, and these bright young people have the ideas and drive needed to take on real work and responsibility.”
Esther Felton, general counsel at insurance firm QBE, adds: “Talent doesn’t just reside in people already working in the City. People from all walks of life can thrive here – I am proof of that – and we feel it’s important to promote that. We are involved in the programme because we believe in nurturing talent, wherever that lies. It’s a win-win for us and the students.”
The City Business Traineeships (CBT) programme, funded by the City of London Corporation and delivered by The Brokerage Citylink, places students aged 18-19 who live or attend state schools in the seven boroughs with prestigious City firms, encouraging them to develop workplace and networking skills and to take a step-up on the competitive career ladder without the financial burden of working for free.
Following their A-levels, applicants are coached in a series of CV, interview and sector-specific workshops before they are put forward for placements, where they experience real, competitive recruitment processes.
Since 2000, the scheme has helped almost 1,000 young people into internships with more than 100 of the City’s biggest businesses.
Melissa Lucien, recruitment manager at The Brokerage Citylink, says: “The City Business Traineeship programme creates links between top firms and the best talent London has to offer. We don’t believe that the best work and networking opportunities should only be handed to those with established links, and these bright young people have the ideas and drive needed to take on real work and responsibility.”
Esther Felton, general counsel at insurance firm QBE, adds: “Talent doesn’t just reside in people already working in the City. People from all walks of life can thrive here – I am proof of that – and we feel it’s important to promote that. We are involved in the programme because we believe in nurturing talent, wherever that lies. It’s a win-win for us and the students.”
