Manchester students enjoy special visit to one of the world’s largest professional services firms

As part of Mosaic’s Secondary School mentoring programme, a group of Year 11 Business BTECH students from Parrs Wood High School have visited the Manchester office of EY (Ernst & Young).

One of the world’s largest professional services firms, EY has consistently featured in top 100 employer lists globally and the organisation is a strong supporter of Mosaic’s mentoring programmes.

The Parrs Wood visit incorporated a tour of EY’s offices in the heart of Manchester city centre, hosted by Martin Talbot, Head of Engagement (EY Foundation) and Senior Manager, Claire Handby (Advisory).

After introducing the students to the work and history of EY, Martin talked through the skills employers are looking for. Claire then gave an overview of several different roles at EY that could be available to the students in the future, inspiring them to explore different vocational pathways.

The visit concluded with a Q&A panel discussion between Martin, Claire and Transaction Tax specialists Rebecca Darby (part of EY’s graduate programme) and Amber Westmoreland (part of EY’s school leaver programme). Each panellist discussed their professional journeys and shared career advice with the students.

Several students later expressed an interest in applying for EY’s ‘Smart Futures’ programme in Year 12; a 10-month mentoring and internship programme that past Parrs Wood students have benefited from.

Reflecting on the visit, sixth-former Mia Peltier said: “The trip has given me more of an insight into my future and how I need to stay driven and work for what I want.”

Fellow pupil, Erin Gunther said: “A positive aspect of the trip was when Claire told us about the glass ceiling theory. I’ve learnt that these can be smashed if you keep persevering.”

Shana Ali, a teacher in Parrs Wood High School’s Business, Law and Economics department, commented: “A prominent theme emerging from the day was developing a positive mental attitude to work and the impact of saying ‘yes!’ to opportunities, even if there’s sometimes a hint of self-doubt inside your head.

“Claire told the students how she had said yes on many occasions which has allowed her to have many varied career opportunities. The students were thoroughly engaged throughout the trip and I’d like to thank EY for being such fantastic hosts.”