Social Mobility Day 2024
Thursday 13th June is Social Mobility Day. This is an opportunity for you to learn what social mobility is and what it means for you.
Social mobility means that opportunities should be open to you no matter what background you come from. Your life chances should not be linked to the level of privilege you start out with.
The theme of this year’s Social Mobility Day is #ShareMoments. People will use this hashtag across social media to talk about how social mobility has changed their lives. Employers will also be sharing what they are doing to promote social mobility.
What does social mobility mean for your career?
Some industries – medicine, engineering or law, for example – have a reputation for being just for people from more privileged backgrounds. Social mobility means that professions which can seem off limits should be open to everyone. That means whatever your background, you can become a doctor, an engineer or a solicitor.
Employers want you! Here’s why…
Social mobility is good for employers too. Research shows that companies which employ people from a mixture of backgrounds have better employee satisfaction, decision-making and are more focused on their customers. Improved social mobility is better for the economy as well – which in turn is better for employers.
Many companies know this – and that means they could want to hire you!
An apprenticeship could be your ticket to social mobility.
Many employers are making big changes so that roles once limited to those from more privileged backgrounds are available to everyone. For example, instead of going to university, you can now train for many professions – software engineering, marketing, even science and research – through an apprenticeship programme. You could even get a degree with a degree apprenticeship!
View apprenticeship opportunities on the Success at School website.
How IBM is creating a more diverse workplace
IBM has set up groups, campaigns and communities to help young people from different backgrounds develop and progress in their careers. Read more.
University boosts your chances of social mobility
Research says that as a less well-off student, you are four times more likely to experience social mobility if you go to university.
The more selective universities tend to lead to higher earnings. These unis can be harder to get into – but many now offer support to young people from under-represented backgrounds. Some may make ‘contextual’ offers – taking into account your background when looking at your grades.
Top tip: When researching universities, Google the university name plus ‘widening participation’ to find out about support for under-represented students.
Sutton Trust summer schools offer a great opportunity for Year 12 students to experience university life, explore different university subjects and get application help. Participating universities include Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, UCL and Warwick.
Get support from employers at uni
Law firm Sidley provides bursaries of up to £3,500 to law students from under-represented backgrounds. You’re also paired with a mentor and offered a week-long work placement. Read more.
Social mobility toolkit: Resources and information
Understanding your options early on, so you can make informed decisions is key to social mobility. Success at School has loads of resources to help you plan:
Apprenticeships advice: 60+ posts covering all things apprenticeships, from the four different types to programmes in areas like environmental, healthcare and rail.
University guidance: Over 30 articles to help you decide whether university is for you, choose a uni and create the perfect application.
Jobs A-Z: Includes 650+ job profiles. Prepare early by learning about the different pathways to your dream job and the qualifications and experience you need.