Zurich UK’s kickstart scheme mentors 250 pupils

Zurich’s Kickstart mentoring scheme is celebrating its third year of success in supporting state funded secondary school students from London and Hampshire, where the global insurer has offices.

The initiative aims to attract future talent from diverse backgrounds across the country, pairing them with Zurich’s specially trained senior leaders from a range of career backgrounds.

This year, 52 students from The Sixth Form College Farnborough have signed up to the scheme, along with 34 pupils from the Heathcote School and Science College in Waltham Forest and St Bonaventure’s RC School in Newham, who have been involved since the pilot in 2022.

Running for six months, students will benefit from six sessions over the academic year, allowing them to grow in confidence at their own pace. Students engage in a range of activities with support from their Zurich mentor, from mock interviews and tackling imposter syndrome to developing compelling presentations, CVs, and LinkedIn profiles.

For many students, it is the first time they will experience the benefits of face-to-face networking and professional relationships which can lead to real opportunities.

Around half of the students that have completed the mentoring scheme have gone on to complete additional work experience placements with the insurer as well as a number who are now ambassadors for the programme to attract and support the next cohort within their schools.

The final Kickstart session for this year’s cohort of Farnborough students was held on 17th June at Zurich’s London offices to conclude the programme. The event involved speed-networking style carousel pod sessions between students and mentors and group presentations. Jake Brown, a former England national cerebral palsy footballer and contestant on the third series of TV show, The Traitors, delivered an inspiring talk to the students on overcoming adversity.

Adam Slade, Lead Tutor at The Sixth Form College Farnborough said:

“We have been involved in Zurich's Kickstart mentoring programme for three years and it has become a key part of our work to broaden access and address inequalities in opportunities for our students.

“We’ve had 52 students take part this year which is nearly double the number who took part in its first year. This is testament to both the mentors who volunteer their time and to the strength of the programme itself.

“I’m particularly proud of the seven students that have gone on to gain valuable work experience at Zurich's Farnborough office. Other students have been connected to contacts further afield, in areas such as law, opening doors they might not have otherwise encountered. The programme’s continued growth and success highlight both the dedication of its mentors and the meaningful impact it has on students.

“Our sixth form college provides a strong educational foundation, but preparing students for life beyond education often needs support from partners with practical business insight and connections. Some students on this programme face significant challenges, and Kickstart helps them build the confidence to embrace new opportunities. That’s why we truly value Zurich’s partnership in helping them recognise and reach their potential. Kickstart gives them not just skills, but belief in what they can achieve – and that’s something we’re proud to support.”

Amy Brettell, Managing Director of Zurich Municipal and executive sponsor of Kickstart Mentors said:

“I am thrilled to be the executive sponsor of the Kickstart initiative, which aims to open a world of opportunities to young people, especially those who may have never even considered a career in insurance.

“The scheme is particularly meaningful to me. I grew up in a similar environment to many of these young people, I didn't have exposure to people in the corporate world and a career in insurance just wasn’t something I’d even thought about.

“I’m so proud of the success that we’ve already seen with the Kickstart scheme and look forward to continuing to support students in areas that need it most.”