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      We believe talent is everywhere, but unfortunately, opportunity is not. That’s why we were proud to lead a pilot collaboration together with the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC), Talent Foundry and five like-minded businesses to open doors for students from schools in underserved areas and give them meaningful exposure to the world of work.

      Through a powerful series of multi-sector, work experience half-days, delivered to year 9 students from schools across London we’ve helped students gain a deeper understanding of the breadth of career paths available to them - and the skills and behaviours that will help them succeed beyond school.

      The success of this initiative is a testament to the value of partnership. We thank all the organisations and individuals who generously gave their time, energy and expertise. Together, we’ve made a real difference - and we hope that by sharing our findings through our impact report, we can encourage others to consider how they too can work collaboratively to help bridge the opportunity gap.

      Catherine Burnet
      Catherine Burnet

      Head of Audit

      KPMG in the UK

      Download

      Reimagining Work Experience through collaboration

      This document is an impact report following KPMG’s Opening Doors to Opportunities collaboration pilot programme, which brought together 5 employers to deliver multi-sector, meaningful workplace encounters for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
      Download

      Programme aims

      • To drive greater impact for students through collaboration.
      • Work with students from areas of low social mobility with less access to workplace experiences.
      • Boost students' confidence and understanding of the skills employers' value through using the Skills Builder Framework.
      • Create a comprehensive, multi-sector program to help schools adapt to the updated statutory guidance.
      • Encourage fresh approaches to work experience aligned to CEC's equalex framework.
      • Deliver five collaborative half-day events,and a celebratory event bringing together all participants - employers, students and staff.

      The impact we made on students

      83%

      Agreed they were more aware of their skills and talents.

      76%

      Feel more confident they could work somewhere like KPMG.

      90%

      Agreed being able to talk to volunteers at the workshop was a real benefit to them.

      92%

      Agree they understand the type of skills employers are looking for.

      Sharing our learnings

      • Relatable role models create impact

        One of the most powerful takeaways for students was the diversity of career journeys shared by employees. It became clear that job title or seniority is not what matters most - authenticity, relatability, and a willingness to share personal stories of challenge as well as success, are what leave a lasting impression.

      • A shared skills framework supported students understanding

        At each event, we used the Skills Builder Framework to ensure the students clearly recognised the essential skills they were developing throughout their experience. As part of the celebration event, they reflected on their progress and identified the skills they wish to further develop in the future.

      • Student engagement thrives on interaction

        The sessions that generated the most enthusiasm were hands-on, discussion-based, and participatory. Students responded best when given the chance to ask questions, experience real workplace scenarios, problem-solve and present their ideas.

      • Open and honest conversations create stronger collaborations

        From the outset, transparency was essential. Open dialogue and a willingness to share allowed each organisation to bring their strengths to the table, identify potential opportunities and challenges early, and align around a shared purpose.

      • Simplicity leads to impact

        We learned that a streamlined, focused approach was most effective. We prioritised quality over quantity - curating experiences with clear learning outcomes that were targeted, relevant, and manageable for students. Simply speaking with colleagues and exploring the work environment was a huge part of the experience.

      • Greater collaboration, targeting and a shared terminology for skills

        Longer term, organisations with more established work experience programmes can deliver even greater impact for students by working in collaboration with clients, customers and suppliers to deliver multi-sector experiences. The existing national infrastructure, Careers Hubs and work experience providers can help target opportunities at the young people who are currently missing out.

         

        Additionally, universal agreement on a common language for skills, such as the Skills Builder framework, would make it easier for students, school and employers to evidence the essential workplace skills young people gain through work experience and extra-curricular activity.

      I firmly believe that your background should never dictate where your talent can take you, and that’s why social mobility remains a key priority at KPMG.

      It’s encouraging to see more organisations join us on the journey to make equity a reality. By working together, we can close the opportunities gap and ensure fairer futures for all.
      Jonathan Holt

      Chief Executive KPMG UK and Switzerland, Senior Partner, KPMG UK

      Jonathan Holt

      Our people and culture insights

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