Young Influencers Programme

October 2021 saw Societe Generale start their flagship initiative, Young Influencers Programme. ELBA was delighted to be part of this initiative, aimed at east London students, aged 16-18.

Young Influencers Programme is designed to increase students’ employability skills, so they have the confidence and ability to make a positive social impact and build successful careers.

Partnering with ELBA, Societe Generale worked with Newham College London, Newham Collegiate Sixth Form Centre and St Edward’s Church of England Academy for the pilot year of the programme. The initiative consists of seven workshops, exploring the financial sector and the positive impact it can have on society. The programme culminates in an exciting pitch day in which students have the chance to pitch their solutions to community problems to a panel of esteemed Societe Generale employees, including the CEO!

Students had the opportunity to apply for an eight-week paid work experience placement, to gain tangible and valuable experience of the financial sector. Societe Generale has so far hosted 19 students in a variety of roles in the firm.

Now in its second year, Young Influencers Programme commences with lots of in-person activities, unlike last year. Societe Generale has welcomed participants to their Canary Wharf offices to discuss how these young people can apply the UN Sustainable Development Goals to their own communities.

One volunteer said:

It is great to see how much the programme has evolved just within one year. A huge thank you to Societe Generale for creating such an incredible opportunity for our students and for our continued partnership. And thank you to our dedicated and talented students of east London for your participation!

For more information, please contact robin.hawthorn@elba-1.org.uk.

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