Bath-based financial services firm Novia has hosted a mentoring day aimed at encouraging more girls to explore job opportunities in fintech ahead of considering their career paths.
The firm teamed up with Ablaze, an independent Bristol-based charity tackling inequality of opportunity for young people in the South West, to stage the event for a group of year 8 and 9 students.
The girls, aged between 12 and 14, visited Novia’s head office to get an insight into financial services as well as discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology.
The day was aimed at explaining about the availability of different careers, the skills needed for certain jobs and how they tie into the subjects taught at their school.
Novia CEO Patrick Mill, pictured, said: “We were thrilled to have the students join us for the day and to give them an insight into financial services and platforms.
“We’re a people business and we’re passionate about helping people and supporting organisations like Ablaze pursue their potential.”
Ablaze project manager Ceri Bowers added: "We think that all young people, no matter their background, should be given the chance to understand what skills are needed for different jobs and thinking about the link between success in the subjects they choose at secondary school and their future career ambitions.”
Ablaze works with business volunteers, such as Novia, to deliver programmes that will motivate and encourage young people’s career aspirations, specifically those that are under-served, under-estimated, disengaged and lack social collateral.
Since its launch in 2005 it has helped thousands of young people across the South West through programmes that aim to raise aspiration and attainment and improve skill levels, so boosting young people’s chances in continuing education, employability and life.
Earlier this year Novia become the first firm of its kind in Bath to be accredited by the Good Business Charter (GBC) in recognition of its ethical and responsible business practices.
Launched in 2008, the firm has become one of the UK’s leading wealth management platforms, capable of competing against the giants of the financial services industry.
It was acquired by private equity firm AnaCap Financial, which operates out of offices in London, Luxembourg, New Delhi, Madrid and Lisbon, just under two years ago.
