Imagine being gripped by fear and uncertainty, unsure where to seek advice and guidance. Imagine lacking the confidence to pursue your dreams, feeling invisible to potential employers, and having to decline golden opportunities due to financial constraints. Imagine slower career progression and lower earnings simply because of where you live.
This is the possible stark reality for over two million young people living in rural and coastal areas of the UK, where historically high unemployment and a lack of major employers hinder social mobility. Social mobility in the UK has never been in worse shape.
During the first two weeks of July, I witnessed firsthand the disadvantages faced by young people from coastal and rural locations. I engaged with individuals who shared how The Talent Tap Emerging Talent Programme, based in Manchester and London, profoundly impacted their lives. The program offers fully funded professional in-person work experience, networking opportunities, immediate applications for paid internships and graduate programs, and continuous support post-graduation.
Alarmingly, 42% of students from rural areas do not engage in internships or work experience during university, despite being nine times more likely to need in-person experience to build valuable networks. While UK companies do offer work experience, only 30% have national outreach programs targeting remote areas, and less than a third subsidise travel or accommodation costs, often reimbursing expenses in arrears. This financial barrier makes participation unaffordable for many.
Young people from rural and coastal areas are twice as likely to see their career aspirations unfulfilled compared to their urban peers and are less likely to apply for undergraduate degrees. However, during the last 2 weeks I saw the determination in students on the Talent Tap Emerging Talent Programme, many of whom return for up to four years, committed to building their networks, gaining work experience, and opening doors to new opportunities. Our research shows that participants in Talent Tap programmes significantly increase their chances of university acceptance or securing a job post-graduation.
A Case Study – Stacey*
Stacey’s childhood and teenage years have been extremely challenging – she has been in and out of the care system and has had little familial or school support to help her along the way. In fact, her school careers advisor actively discouraged her from applying to university. Despite this, she continued with her goal and was accepted to De Montfort University to study law.
Through the Talent Tap she has fostered two very successful mentoring relationships with practising lawyers who were able to guide her through the application process for law firm summer internships.
“I struggle massively with imposter syndrome, but that feeling started to fade away. you all made me feel like I belonged, and that my voice was important. For that, I am forever grateful. If it were not for The Talent Tap, I would not be where I am today.”
*name changed GDPR
At The Talent Tap work with industry to create accessible and equitable pathways into meaningful careers for all young people, with a specific focus on those from low social mobility backgrounds.