Career Ready and Aviva

We’ve been working with Aviva since 2013 to boost social mobility across the UK.

Career Ready and Aviva

We’ve been working with Aviva since 2013 to boost social mobility across the UK.

About our partnership

Starting in Scotland, our partnership now covers 8 key regions: Bristol, Glasgow, London, Norwich, Perth, Northern Ireland, Sheffield & York. Together, we’ve been able to reach regions where we’re needed most and kickstarted the futures of young people.

Aviva’s partnership with the remarkable team at Career Ready is a testament to our unwavering belief in creating a brighter future for all. Together, through the dedicated efforts of our volunteers, we’re not just offering mentorship and work experience – we’re cultivating a journey that empowers less connected young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to break barriers for the future.

Lesley Bigby, Early Careers Consultant UK

volunteering hours

young people supported

paid internships provided

volunteer mentors

volunteering hours

young people supported

paid internships provided

volunteer mentors

What we’ve achieved together

Expanding the programme east

Aviva have been pivotal in our efforts to reach underserved regions of the UK – supporting our launch in Norwich in collaboration with Marsh. Now we’re entering the third year of the programme in Norwich, with 5 schools on the Career Ready programme.

Aviva always look to offer additional opportunities for Career Ready students, such as inviting them to take part in additional events, networking and webinars, and adding an educational offer when organising sector conferences.

In 2022, we were able to help 18 young people take the first steps to building a successful future with paid internships. This included bringing internship opportunities to Norwich for the first time in our history – a proud moment for both Aviva and Career Ready!

Championing social mobility

The UK ranks amongst the lowest in the developed world for social mobility, but our partnership over the last decade has worked to boost opportunity and access for underrepresented groups, creating a key talent pipeline for Aviva and helped them be recognised at 13th place on the 2020 Social Mobility Index.

Aviva also host a number of events that open up conversations about how employers can play a vital role in improving outcomes for young people, particularly in regional areas where we’ve been able to engage local communities and businesses.

It’s been a really useful networking opportunity as it brings together people interested in employability skills, removing barriers and encouraging young people to reach their potential.

John Duncan, Performance Consultant at Aviva, Mentor and Tay Cities LAB Chair

Strengthening talent pipelines

Our partnership is one that provides value for us all – Aviva is one of the highest-ranked employers for Career Ready graduates, having hired at least nine students since 2013 .

Spotlighting the range of job options at large companies like Aviva through our work means they gain access to a pool of bright, talented young people who could kickstart their futures with the company. Our student feedback shows that 100% of Aviva interns would consider working for the company in the future.

My internship showed me that I could make a difference and be of real value to an organisation, and actually highlighted some skills I didn’t even realise I had.

Andrew McFarlane, former intern, current employee at Aviva and Career Ready mentor