PA Consulting launches work experience initiative for London sixth-formers

PA Consulting Group has welcomed a group of local sixth form students to its London HQ for a week of business challenges as part of its new initiative, Springboard. The work has seen the youngsters asked to harness the power of technology and develop innovative solutions to some of society’s biggest  challenges during their time with the consultancy.

As the UK’s talent pool threatens to tighten amid fears of an ageing population, and increasing difficulties for skilled migrants in Britain after Brexit, many companies are employing new initiatives to get a head start over competitors in terms of talent acquisition. Recently this saw a number of consulting firms, including BDO, Mazars and Grant Thornton, revamp their recruitment procedures to take advantage of graduates and school leavers.

The latest development in this trend has seen UK-headquartered PA Consulting Group launch a new initiative called Springboard. The first intake of ‘Springboarders’ has seen 25 local sixth form students invited to PA’s London base for work experience placements from 9-13th April.

The week-long placements have tasked students with undertaking a number of skills workshops on building a business case, problem-solving and presenting, while at the end of the week, the teams will present solutions to a number of top conundrums faced by modern businesses, to PA’s management team and their guests. The panel of judges include the Chief Digital Officer of the London Mayor’s office, Theo Blackwell.

Alan Middleton, PA Consulting Group’s Chief Executive, said, “Innovation is vital to the success of our economy and we passionately believe that we need to engage the next generation of innovators, technologists and industry leaders in tackling some of the country’s biggest social and business challenges. We are delighted to offer this opportunity to young people and we look forward to welcoming our first set of ‘Springboarders’ into the business.”

Springboard comes as part of PA’s partnership with Career Ready, a UK-wide charity focused on opening access to the world of work for young people. In the long-run, it will see PA select participants from a network of 36 schools and colleges across London and the South East, giving students from lower-income families the confidence, skills and networks to achieve their potential. Career Ready currently supports over 29,000 young people in over 300 schools across the UK, with more than 700 employers and approximately 4,000 employer volunteers delivering the programme.

Nick Insley, Career Ready Regional Manager for London and South East, added, “Every school leaver should be prepared for the world of work, their aspirations not limited by background. We’re delighted that through our exciting new partnership with PA Consulting, even more young people will be able to gain the skills and experience they need for career success.”