SFE launches A Future in Finance
Campaign comes after poll reveals young Scots are less likely than their older counterparts to view financial services as attractive career path
Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) has today launched a new education engagement programme as part of a campaign to drive interest in financial services careers among young people.
A Future in Finance is a key part of SFE’s industry-wide Skills Action Plan, which was launched last year to support the industry’s ambition of filling 50,000 roles in the next three years.
Financial services currently employs around 150,000 people in Scotland, and is the largest Scottish sectoral contributor to the UK economy. The average salary in financial services is also close to £10,000 higher than the average salary across all industry and services of the economy.
The programme, which will be delivered to students across Scotland by SFE member firms and its Young Professionals Network, comes after a new poll revealed almost a quarter (23 percent) of people in Scotland do not believe financial services represent an attractive or secure career for young people.
The poll, which was commissioned by advisory firm True North on behalf of SFE and undertaken by Survation, also revealed almost 60 percent of 16-24-year-olds were unlikely to consider a career in financial services.
A Future in Finance aims to change these attitudes by challenging stereotypes and inspiring young people about the different opportunities in the industry, highlighting the growing focus on digital roles and skills; the global nature of finance and opportunities to experience new places and ideas; the burgeoning importance of green finance for achieving net zero; and the inclusive and welcoming culture in today’s industry.
The programme was created in partnership with Skills Development Scotland and Developing the Young Workforce, with input from young people and the third sector.
Commenting on the programme launch, Sandy Begbie, Chief Executive, Scottish Financial Enterprise, said:
“As an industry we are determined to continue attracting a pipeline of diverse talent to support our growth and development ambitions and maintain our international competitiveness.
“Last year we launched our ambitious Skills Action Plan which aims to help us simplify career pathways, promote career benefits and opportunities, and strengthen how we develop the skills that are needed to help us continue growing and thriving.
“A Future in Finance is a central part of our plan, designed to change attitudes by inspiring, enabling and breaking stereotypes about careers in financial services and I am grateful to our members, Skills Development Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce and others who have helped make this programme a reality.”
Colin Halpin, Global Head of Market Data Financial Management, Barclays UK, and SFE Board Sponsor for Skills and Inclusion, said:
“A year since the launch of SFE’s industry-wide Skills Action Plan, I’m pleased we can mark the occasion by showcasing this fantastic new programme.
“Our message to young people is that no matter your skills, background, or experiences, there is a place for you in Scotland’s financial services industry, and you have a role to play in helping us grow, innovate and solve the big challenges that the future poses. A future in finance is something we want all young people in Scotland to consider.”