Elevate 2026/27: A New Cohort Begins Their Journey at Barclays UK.
On 11th September, our Elevate 2026/27 London cohort in partnership with Barclays began their six-month journey. Students from secondary schools across London came together at Barclays UK in Canary Wharf for the first day of their journey. The day marked more than the start of a new programme. It was an opportunity for students to step into a professional environment, meet new people and begin developing the confidence, skills and knowledge they will need as they take their next steps towards the world of work.
The morning began with registration and breakfast before Day Lead Wendy Hare welcomed the cohort, introduced the programme and set the tone for an exciting new term.
Students then heard from Hannah Wood, who shared insights from her own career journey and provided an introduction to the work and operations of Barclays UK. Hearing directly from professionals gives our young people an opportunity to understand the different routes into the workplace and see how the skills they are developing can translate into real careers.
Building confidence through new experiences
A key part of the first session was encouraging students to move beyond familiar faces and build relationships with people they had not met before. A seating plan helped create opportunities for students to work alongside new people, encouraging collaboration and communication throughout the day.
These activities were designed to help students begin developing practical workplace skills, including communication, teamwork and confidence. They also started working on their CVs, giving them practical tools they can continue to develop throughout the programme.
For many young people, entering an unfamiliar professional environment can feel daunting. Creating a supportive space where they can practise these skills, ask questions and interact with professionals is an important part of the Elevate experience.
From career insight to workplace experience
The afternoon brought another opportunity to experience a different professional environment.
Simon Hutchins from MPCT Military Academy introduced students to career training within the uniformed services. The session included physical activities, giving students the chance to get involved, challenge themselves and experience a very different approach to career development.
This combination of career insight, practical activity and interaction with professionals reflects the three core pillars of Elevate:
Career Preparation – helping students understand career pathways and develop practical employability skills.
Personal Growth – building confidence, communication, resilience and self-belief.
Workplace Integration – connecting young people with professionals and real-world workplace experiences.
The beginning of a six-month journey
The first session is only the beginning. Each Elevate session will build upon the previous one, combining career insight, real-world exposure, personal development and practical tools delivered by professionals who generously give their time to support the next generation.
Our ambition is simple: for every young person to leave each session feeling better prepared, better informed and more confident in their ability to shape their own journey to success.
We are incredibly grateful to Wendy Hare, Hannah Wood, Simon Hutchins, Barclays UK and the many professionals, partners and supporters who are helping create a safe, inspiring and opportunity-rich environment for this new cohort.
This is just the beginning. We look forward to seeing how the Elevate 2026/27 London cohort grows, develops and builds their confidence over the next six months.
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