“Citi is proud to partner with the East London Business Alliance on the EaGLES programme, and have had an excellent experience working with talented young people from east London. Citi has benefited greatly from participating in the programme by both supporting the community in which we live and work, and also finding and supporting great local talent. We’re pleased to help ELBA as they grow the careers of these young people, and are proud to be part of this programme that provides on-going support to participants as they take the next steps in their careers.”

“ELBA's graduate programme addresses local unemployed graduates in a unique and insightful way. It delivers to both parties, to the graduates who are presented with an opportunity to develop their skills and for the corporates who benefit greatly from their local knowledge and understanding. The passion, time and energy spent by ELBA on each of the graduates, ensures that they all realise their potential and get the most from their time with the companies, the time can fly by but the high level of detail provided ensures the graduates are supported throughout their journey at every stage.”

“What makes the ELBA graduate programme stand out from any other is that it understands the needs of unemployed graduates. A year on from the programme I am still at Thomson Reuters and have now moved into a more senior role working across the entire business in Strategic Talent as an Associate. The excellent success rate of 97% of graduates securing employment at the end of the scheme speaks for itself - I am proud to be an ambassador of such an innovative programme.”

“The ELBA graduate programme caught my eye due to its innovative approach compared to other schemes. Not only did it offer personal development and training opportunities, but also an insight into how businesses contribute to the community. The programme was extremely well developed and managed. It was challenging, insightful and gave me practical experience of what employers look for.”

“I want people to see that that there are no barriers to what you can achieve. Even if you think there are barriers, you can break right through them. If you really want something, you can get it – just be determined and flexible. I thought that Deutsche Bank was such a great place that I had to take every opportunity to learn – I thought I’d never get another chance like it. You feel like a sponge soaking up information from around you, asking questions and listening to people.”