3 March 2026 Immersive careers event at M&G's Stirling office boosts employability
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The Talent Foundry partnered with M&G plc to launch the first M&G Giving Real Confidence day in Scotland
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The event aimed to give young people the skills, confidence and opportunities required to make informed decisions about their futures and to build their financial confidence
The Talent Foundry, an education charity, partnered with M&G plc to launch the first M&G Giving Real Confidence event in Scotland, aiming to level up young people’s employability in one immersive day. Participants in S4, S5 and S6 explored careers at M&G plc while building the skills, confidence and knowledge required to succeed in the world of work.
The M&G Giving Real Confidence day took place on 24 February at M&G’s Stirling office, giving students the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into a major global investment company. The event was attended by 64 students from 9 schools, who were supported by 46 volunteers from M&G plc.
After a welcome talk and an introduction to M&G plc, attendees explored the different career pathways available at the company, attended a Financial Futures Seminar, and had the opportunity to take on the role of fund managers in an interactive investment challenge. They then attended a Q&A with senior industry experts, including the CEO of M&G Wealth, Ross Liston and Director of Supplier Management, Dorothy Hamilton before engaging in mock interview practice and speed mentoring sessions, learning directly from professionals at M&G plc.
The event, aimed at students interested in financial services, business and those wanting to build transferable skills for their future careers, gave students the opportunity to “level-up” and gain experience from inspirational role models. It enabled young people to prepare for their next steps - into university, apprenticeships or employment - giving them the chance to gain meaningful work experience in a modern workplace through high-quality employer encounters.
The experience left students feeling more confident in themselves and in their futures. Many arrived feeling hesitant about how to present themselves in a professional environment but left at the end of the day with a clearer sense of purpose and with the self-belief and knowledge to make informed decisions about their futures. Engaging with industry professionals helped them see themselves as credible candidates for careers in business, finance and beyond.
The Talent Foundry has been working in collaboration with M&G plc since 2014, building a partnership based on genuine mission alignment and enabling over 20,000 young people to benefit from a suite of programmes and helping to build a fairer future.
Here’s what students who attended said:
I was able to learn a lot about how a workplace operates as well as gain more clarity on how to progress in my early career.
I benefited from having the opportunity to put into practise skills and advice when talking to M&G employees. Learning that there is always differing routes for the world of work - nothing (even mistakes) are definite.
I’ve got some very useful information on finances which I never would have come across normally, so that will be really useful for managing future finances.
Taking part in this experience has helped give me confidence and reassurance for my future.
This experience will positively impact how I handle my finances in the future as it has given me valuable information on how to look after my money.
Jenni Anderson, Chief Executive at The Talent Foundry, said:
Talent is everywhere; opportunity is not. The Giving Real Confidence event reminds us of the power of transformative encounters with the world of work. Giving students the opportunity to feel inspired, be informed and gain confidence in their futures is powerful and stands testament to the passion and commitment of M&G plc to equipping the next generation with the skills and financial confidence needed to thrive.
Jane Rawnsley, Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at M&G plc, said:
Every young person deserves the chance to feel confident about their future. By working with The Talent Foundry, we are supporting those most at risk of financial exclusion with practical, tailored help. Our volunteers play a vital role, helping students understand career options while building financial confidence and communication skills. The results are powerful, but what inspires us most is the ambition and determination of the young people themselves.