HMRC Springboard: Students celebrate life chance scheme successes

It was a day for celebration as students of HMRC’s Springboard scheme – which helps support disadvantaged young people who attend alternative educational providers – recently received their certificates for completing the first phase of the programme.

For six months, four North East students worked with mentors in HMRC to develop their skills and confidence through practical learning experiences such as workshops and job shadowing.

During the programme students designed logos, created a sustainable village model, and learnt about HMRC professions and how we support our customers.

They have now been invited to attend a two-week work placement in June, which could lead to a temporary fixed term apprenticeship for the students.

The students received a Certificate of Achievement for the Springboard Life Chance Employment Scheme during a celebratory event at HMRC’s North East Regional Centre in Newcastle

Here’s what some of the students had to say….

Summer: "I have really developed in terms of confidence by joining the Springboard Programme. I am very shy and quiet, but I have been able to work with different and new people and this has shown me how diversity at work is a positive thing. Even though we are all different we can always help and support each other."

Alex: "I found that I have more of the skills for working somewhere like HMRC than I realised. I have been able to use my tech knowledge when we did sessions about cyber security and digital developments. Even though I have autism I can see how this would actually help in a job here, as I have good attention to detail which is important in lots of the HMRC departments.”

Another student said the programme had given them the confidence to expand their communications skills and develop relationships. They said the mentors had been very supportive, which helped them going through the programme.

Springboard is an award-winning life chance scheme delivered by HMRC. It supports disadvantaged young people, aged 15 to 18, who attend Alternative Educational Providers such as the Pupil Referral Units.

The scheme is designed to inspire, support, and encourage students from a lower socio-economic background by providing opportunities they otherwise face barriers obtaining.

You can find out more about life chance recruitment schemes here: https://gfie.blog.gov.uk/about/