On Monday, Start Young UK, launched the first day of the Elevate School Leavers Programme at the Barclays HQ - a transformative experience aimed at empowering young people as they take their first steps into the professional world. With 40 enthusiastic participants ready to learn, the day was filled with impactful activities designed to help each participant develop a growth mindset, understand their personal values, and gain confidence in shaping their career paths.
Welcoming Our Future Leaders
The energy in the room was vibrant as we welcomed our first cohort of young leaders. Each student brought with them their unique ambitions, stories, and excitement for what lies ahead. The first day of the Elevate Programme was thoughtfully designed to focus on self-awareness, personal growth, and the power of resilience - cornerstones of success in any career.
Session 1: Building a Growth Mindset and Exploring Personal Values
Led by Lucy Clifford, a skilled trainer and mentor, our first session centered on the importance of a growth mindset - the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Lucy guided the group through interactive exercises to help students challenge limiting beliefs, embrace new opportunities, and learn to see obstacles as steps toward growth.
Equally important was the focus on personal values, as students explored what truly matters to them on both personal and professional levels. By uncovering their values, participants gained a deeper understanding of the guiding principles that will support them in making meaningful career choices.
Inspiring Speaker: Ada C., Head of Design and Insight at Barclays
A highlight of the day was a talk from Ada C., Head of Design and Insight at Barclays. Ada shared her career journey with refreshing honesty, offering insights into her experiences as an Asian professional in a dynamic industry. Her story resonated deeply with our participants, sparking a lively Q&A where students eagerly sought advice on navigating challenges, staying resilient, and finding their voice in professional spaces.
The openness of the conversation encouraged students to reflect on their own career aspirations and the unique perspectives they bring. Ada’s message was clear: staying true to oneself and one’s values can be a powerful force in achieving success and creating positive change in the workplace.
Interactive Workshop: Transforming Values into Strengths
Our final session of the day was led by Dr. Jummy Okoya from the University of East London, an expert in personal and professional development. Dr. Okoya’s interactive workshop encouraged students to dig deeper into their personal values and explore how to transform these values into strengths that can drive their careers.
Through guided activities and open discussions, students shared their values with one another and reflected on how these principles can serve as a compass in their lives. Dr. Okoya’s engaging approach created a safe space for students to discuss their aspirations and challenges, fostering a supportive community where they felt empowered to take ownership of their journeys.
Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues
The first day of the Elevate School Leavers Programme was an inspiring beginning to what promises to be a transformative journey for our participants. Each session underscored the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and authenticity in building a fulfilling career. We are excited to see how these young leaders continue to grow, supported by mentorship, real-world insights, and practical tools that will help them thrive in their future endeavours.
Expanding Our Reach: Manchester Launch on November 5th
As part of our mission to empower young people across the UK, we are thrilled to announce that the Elevate Programme will soon be expanding to Manchester! Starting on November 5th, we will be bringing this impactful program to a new cohort of school leavers, offering them the same opportunity to build confidence, develop key skills, and gain invaluable insights from industry professionals.
There's still time to register your interest, get in touch with us now!
Thank You to all Our Partners and Supporters
Barclays, Multiverse, Accenture, Natwest, Tech Mahindra, Newham Council, Metropolitan Police
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our guest speakers, trainers, and everyone who contributed to making the first day of the Elevate Programme a success. Together, we are building a foundation that supports the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
Stay tuned as we continue to share updates from the Elevate School Leavers Programme.
We are excited to see the journey unfold and to support our young leaders as they embrace the future with confidence and purpose.
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