Hello Everyone!
A lot has happened since my last blog so let’s get into it!
If you haven't seen any of the news or posts surrounding it, the Smart Futures Program was a roaring success. 10 students from Warrington and London had virtual placements with BluePrism over July and August and really blew us away with their attitude and the work that they created during their placements. The students that take part in the smart futures program; as well as being extremely driven and talented are all eligible for free school meals, so paid work experience and a chance to learn and gain a mentor are hugely advantageous for the students. If you want to get an idea on what these placements mean to the students and the interesting work that they produced, then I’d highly recommend you read Samin's blog here.
The project started as Blue Prism for Good (BPFG)’s mission is to educate today’s talent for the jobs of tomorrow, reducing inequality that exists in the automation and tech space. While both BPFG and EY Foundation want to make sure that everyone has the same access to a successful future no matter what background they have; so it’s a fabulous collaboration effort and directly aligned to the same objective. And what a success it was – so much so – EY Foundation nominated and awarded Blue Prism Employer Partner of the Year! What an honor, if you want to read more about our reaction to the award you can go to our press release here.
On a personal note, I’ve loved being involved in the program and seeing the young people’s attitudes to automation change, as well as their genuinely mind blowing presentations. The EY Smart Futures program is a wonderful example of how companies can do their part to give back into the community, and it’s an incredible feeling to be recognised by EY as the employer partner of the year. I can't wait to see how these students grow throughout their mentoring period and I think me and my colleagues need to watch our backs in a few years’ time… these young people are great!
I want to thank all of the people that have made this possible, with shout outs to Matt Juden Bloomfield who kickstarted this project and secured funding (somehow!) and Carlota Ortiz who was incredibly helpful during planning and managing the London placements; as well as my wider Center of Excellence team for their support and of course the mentors, judges and presenters from across the business - it wouldn’t have been possible without you all. To our friends at EY and EYF – Simon Constance, Nil Neale, Kathryn Eastwood, Nia Lonergan, Ewan Bennie, Anita Chouhan .. the list goes on. You’re all real credits!
If you want to read more about BluePrism, Blue Prism For Good and/or the Smart Futures Program please feel free to follow us on Linkedin or head to our website where you can see more of the work the students have done and read about their experiences.
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blue-prism-for-good/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ey-foundation/
https://www.blueprism.com/who-we-are/blue-prism-for-good/
Thanks and roll on the next cohort!
Ronan
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