text: EY pledges its support to new Access Accountancy scheme - EY - United Kingdom
  Home> Newsroom> News releases> EY pledges its support to new Access Accountancy schemeEY pledges its support to new Access Accountancy scheme2 April 2014NewsroomOverviewPress releasesPR contactsAnalyst relationsFacts and figuresOur spokespeople Share	EY has been named as a founding member of Access Accountancy, a new industry scheme designed to help encourage young people from all backgrounds to consider a career in the accountancy profession.	The scheme has been backed by the country's major accountancy firms, professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Management Accounts, ACCA, AAT, and the ICAEW. By signing up to the scheme, organisations have committed to promoting the industry in schools and colleges, in addition to collectively creating 3,750 high quality practical work placements by September 2019. EY's commitment will be delivered through the firm's Smart Futures programme, which already provides over 100 work experience places to students from underprivileged areas of the UK. As part of the scheme, year 12 students receive coaching, mentoring and three weeks of paid work experience. Up to 25% of the Smart Futures participants in 2014 are also expected to secure a job at EY, either directly from school or through the firm's graduate programme.	Martin Cook, Managing Partner Commercial, UK & Ireland, at EY commented: "Collaboration is vital to improving social mobility. The challenge is too great for any one firm to tackle alone, which is why we've been involved in developing Access Accountancy from the outset. It will play an important role in helping to open the doors of the profession to young people from all backgrounds, who may not have otherwise considered accountancy as a career choice.	"Broadening the appeal of the industry is not just the right thing to do. A diverse workforce is key to attracting and retaining the best talent, providing clients with the highest performing teams, and ultimately helps to build a better working world."	Contact us For further details please contact:	Michael Curtis	EY Global Media Relations	+44 (0)207 980 045	PrivacyBCRAccessibilityLegalGlobal Code of ConductSite mapOur locationsContact us