The University of Warwick has been named the EY Foundation Impact Award — Midlands Employer Partner of the Year 2026, in recognition of a five‑year partnership that supports young people from lower socio‑economic backgrounds to gain workplace skills and experience.
Programme details and reach
The scheme, run in partnership with the EY Foundation, brings up to 20 participants to the university each year for a two‑week employability programme. Activities include CV and interview workshops, careers sessions and time spent with different university teams so participants can observe how a large, multi‑department organisation functions.
- Up to 20 young people attend the two‑week programme annually.
- Following the course, four participants are offered paid early‑career internships at the university.
- The partnership has been active for five years and has aimed to build transferable skills and confidence.
Local impact and opportunities
University staff say the scheme is intended to open doors for people who might otherwise face barriers into employment. By offering both short, intensive exposure to workplace environments and subsequent paid internships, the programme aims to convert learning into practical experience — a key advantage when applying for future jobs.
"Creating opportunities for local young people is an important part of the University's commitment to supporting our region and helping people realise their potential,"
Claire Algar, Social Inclusion Manager at the University of Warwick, said the award recognises the institution's commitment to creating opportunities and acknowledged colleagues across the university who contributed to the programme.
Participant testimony and outcomes
The initiative has produced concrete outcomes for some participants. One former attendee, Setaish Popalzai, who subsequently secured a paid internship at the university, described the experience as having altered his perspective on future career possibilities.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration of partnership | 5 years |
| Participants per year | Up to 20 |
| Paid internships offered | 4 per year (following the programme) |
What this means for Warwick
For Warwick and the wider county, the award highlights a sustained institutional effort to promote social mobility and strengthen links between education and employment. The combination of practical training and paid placements helps reduce the experience gap that can disadvantage young people from lower‑income households when competing for jobs.
As the local economy adapts to shifting labour markets, partnerships like this can provide a pipeline of talent and help employers tap into a more diverse workforce. The university's recognition by the EY Foundation may also encourage other organisations in the region to develop similar programmes aimed at widening access to careers.
