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Insights Atkins and Future Frontiers: Removing barriers to career inclusion

How Atkins coaches are transforming students' lives

Atkins, a member of the AtkinsRéalis Group, is excited to partner with Future Frontiers, an award-winning education charity. Together we deliver an intensive programme of face-to-face coaching to young people experiencing economic inequality. Meet Stephen and Laura, who got involved in our first round of coaching for 2021:
image of Stephen smiling
STEPHEN POLLARD
Consultant, ADS&T, Bristol

"There are so many different pathways into engineering or other careers at Atkins. Do I think the young people I've met could one day join us here? 100% yes!"

In the UK, the strongest indicator of how much someone will earn is how much their parents make. However, we live in a world where some enjoy great opportunities while others aren't able to. Through Future Frontiers, we're providing opportunity where it's missing. 

Support is in Atkins’ DNA!

Organizations must find ways to use their resources, knowledge, and experience to support young people in their aspirations. In Atkins, mentoring and development are absolute priorities. We value and prioritize developing our staff, so Future Frontiers is a great chance to invest in the same way with young people.

A structured approach to career planning

The pupil I mentored had not had the time, space, or support to consider options for their future. It was a joy to see my pupil develop their interests with increasing certainty that they could choose from so many viable career paths. I hope the confidence they've gained in the programme will help them throughout their career journey.

"It's been amazing to see the drive, skills and determination of the young people we’ve worked with."

I was a sector role model for another pupil, sharing my experiences studying Physics at university and working as an engineer. It was great to talk to this enthusiastic young person about careers in science and engineering. It was great to see them imagining themselves working in my area and knowing they could achieve it.

It's a privilege to positively impact pupils' lives. 

It's been a real eye-opener for me about the differences that economic inequality makes for young people – and the work needed to correct that inequality. I've really loved partnering with Future Frontiers and plan to carry on!
image of Laura smiling
LAURA CRUZ GARCIA 
Engineer, ADS&T, Bristol

"It's important for people to feel like they can be themselves and still be included, regardless of their background."

Many children from lower socio-economic backgrounds either don't know what careers are available or think it's "not for them." We helped change this by expanding students' horizons and giving them a step-by-step process to get where they wanted to go.

Giving young people the tools to succeed

I liked that I came in as an independent and unbiased person. I'd learn about a pupil's motivations and interests and then help them understand all the career opportunities that lay before them. I also explained where to put the effort in to achieve their dreams.

"Learn from others and take advantage of opportunities – you never know where life will take you."

My pupil kept aiming for lower-level study or job positions even though they had great school results. As we had spoken about their motivations and interests initially, I knew this wasn't a decision based on preferring those jobs. This led to conversations about aspirations and not settling due to fear of failure. 

Making a tangible difference

I spoke to a student interested in becoming an engineer who wasn't sure there'd be enough jobs available. I quickly explained companies are always looking for skilled people in STEM. We discussed the different types of engineers, what they do day-to-day and how the profession has changed.
 

How about joining a team where everyone is ready to mentor you and help you succeed? Check out our early careers pages to find out how to do your work experience, placement or apprenticeship with us.

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