Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, have announced the UK launch of the Work Insights Programme to enhance social mobility and career opportunities for school and college students in Birmingham. The programme will offer work experience placements at its Colmore Gate office in Colmore Street and is designed to attract students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
The programme, which starts in February 2023, will be both virtual and in-person and will offer opportunities to year-12 students (aged 16 to 17) across the UK. Aon will work with state-funded schools in Birmingham to reach those pupils who would benefit most – and adopt a selection process based on diversity statistics, such as areas with a high percentage of free school meals.
Virtual programmes will be offered three times a year, providing 300 places annually, while hybrid programmes will include in-person opportunities at seven Aon offices, including Bristol, Chelmsford, Farnborough, London, Leeds and Glasgow as well as Birmingham, providing a further 700 places. The programme will comprise interactive learning sessions, speakers, panels, group projects, skills sessions, and networking, all delivered by Aon colleagues.
The programme launch comes as rising inflation and the increased cost of living are creating further uncertainty for vulnerable households, and the longer-term ramifications of COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdown policies have affected young people through disruption to their plans for higher education and reduced work experience opportunities. A new survey from The Open University revealed that 35 percent of young adults have had to rethink their career plans and more than half plan on taking extra courses in a bid to better their skillset and knowledge. The financial anxiety is even more pronounced for those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Sean Carney, partner, head of Human Capital Solutions, Aon UK, said: “Research has shown time and again that the financial and professional services industries can increase hiring from disadvantaged backgrounds. Combined with the growing pressures of inflation, cost-of-living issues, and the pandemic, it’s clear that today’s youth needs further guidance and support to kickstart their careers and build their networks.
“Work experience can be an intimidating experience for many young people, and this can cause the workplace to become inaccessible to them, especially those from more disadvantaged backgrounds. We have designed this programme specifically to address this under-served group, make it accessible and create a sense of belonging for all students.
“We hope that this programme will positively impact and enhance the lives of many while helping to build more resilient workforces. Supporting diverse recruitment in financial and professional services is a critical priority for Aon and we are excited to take action on social mobility in order to help both Aon and the insurance industry make better decisions and move towards generating greater opportunities for all.”
Chris Barley, head of office, Aon Birmingham said: “It is important that, as individuals and as a business, we understand the role we can play in creating pathways into employment and inspiring the next generation. The Work Insights programme offers a unique opportunity for us to make a real, lasting impact on the future career aspirations of young people in our community, and also allows us to promote greater equity and inclusion across our business.
“The Birmingham team is looking forward to welcoming students from across the city to join us for their work experience placements next year and giving them an insight into the career opportunities open to them within the professional services sector, right here on their doorstep.” Aon employs approximately 400 colleagues at its Birmingham office, providing clients, from SMEs to large corporates, with commercial risk solutions, health solutions, reinsurance solutions and wealth solutions.
