Wiseup Blog

Last week marked a transformative experience for ten bright minds from Harris Academy Tottenham, as they embarked on a work placement journey with LondonEnergy. Throughout the week, these budding professionals delved into immersive workshops designed to equip them with essential skills for their future endeavours. From mastering the art of creating compelling CVs to harnessing the power of LinkedIn for career advancement, the students were primed with tools crucial for navigating the professional landscape. They also got to build their first professional networks and shared fantastic updates as their work experience progressed.

Through our experience running mentoring and work experience programmes for young people, we’ve witnessed a tide of change sweeping over young people’s perceptions of their futures in the UK. Whether it be the cost of living, increased education cuts or the soaring costs of university, many young people are feeling increasingly shut out from the world of work and higher education.

We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with global insurance giant – Generali – as they embark on a Pathfinder Programme scheme this spring/summer. This transformative initiative will involve five students from Harris Academy Westminster, who will be matched with five employees from Generali, ahead of four 1-2-1 mentoring sessions and an immersive work experience week at the Generali London office.

Last week, Wiseup joined Kantar, IBM, Efficio, Hays, Blackbullion and Chain IQ at Kantar’s offices for the launch of London Intern 24 – a programme that combines mentoring and work experience. This special event involved 40 students from several London schools, as they gathered to meet their mentors for the first time.

In an era where socially responsible business practices are gaining momentum and businesses are increasingly being evaluated not just on their profit margins, but also on their positive impact on society, we are thrilled to announce that Wiseup has been honoured with the Silver Award in the Positive Impact category at the prestigious London Chamber SME London Business Awards. The awards ceremony, held at London's Park Plaza Riverbank, united more than 100 dynamic SMEs from a range of sectors and backgrounds for a night of celebration and recognition of achievements.

In 2024 and beyond, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are set to form the foundational pillars of a thriving, cohesive, and innovative society that benefits all. As we begin a fresh new year, we predict that businesses in the UK will continue to prioritise DEI initiatives. With this positive step forward and with each initiative seeking to empower communities across the UK, we’ll see the UK’s progressive landscape foster both unity and empowerment.