Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) is the industry body for financial services in Scotland, representing small start-ups to large global businesses.

SFE and its member firms want to inspire all young people in Scotland to consider the wide range of rewarding careers in financial services.
The Financial Services Unified Schools Programme (USP) was developed by SFE members, Developing the Young ​Workforce and Skills Development Scotland to encourage and inspire school pupils to consider and explore the career opportunities offered by financial services.

A Financial services career is more than just working in a bank.
There are lots of exciting opportunities from cyber security to accountancy, or insurance to investments.  

A snapshot of our industry:
Employs 160,000 people in Scotland, 6% of national employment
The second largest financial services cluster in the UK after London and a growing fintech hub
More than 2,000 financial services businesses, supported by 3,650 professional services firms ​

​Through the Unified Schools Programme (USP), young people will discover careers they didn’t know existed.  They will also gain an insight into the running of some of the biggest financial services companies in Scotland including BlackRock, Baillie Gifford, Deloitte, Bank of Scotland, HSBC, JP Morgan and many more. 

Our USP Key Messages

• Financial Services is global
• It offers highly skilled jobs
• It's inclusive and diverse
• It's more than a bank
• It makes the world go round

What do young people say about our programme?

“Before taking part in the programme I thought financial services was just men in suits managing money but it’s completely different to that. I saw just how many diverse jobs there are in a financial services company, during my two days I spent time with teams in data analysis, IT client relationships and marketing. And it definitely wasn’t all men, there were lots of women”
​Olivia Boath

“I’d already decided that I would apply for an apprenticeship after school, something computer based but never considered financial services. Now I know that there are a range of computer and technology jobs available in financial services I will definitely be exploring the industry for apprenticeship opportunities”
​Nathan McEwan

what's involved?

To ensure we could stay connected through Covid 19 USP pivoted from face-to-face delivery in schools and workplaces to a free,
​interactive online offering for teachers, learners, parents and carers to help young people understand the wide range of rewarding careers in financial services.

USP Virtual Events
​DYW is working with SFE member firms to host live one off events for school pupils on key topics regarding employability into Financial Services and hear first-hand from industry experts

​Book now on Marketplace to run locally or check out DYW Live for a national programme offer

USP e-Modules
​Online USP modules have been developed by SFE members in partnership with SDS and DYW to help young people understand financial services and the associated soft skills required. The modules have been designed to bring the industry to life and align with Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence
Download and  play these below

USP @ School
​Professionals from SFE member firms will attend schools virtually to explain the great and varied career opportunities within the Financial Services.

​
Watch these Below

We look forward to bringing back our USP 3 day work placement experience as part of this package as soon as we can safely do so.

#whatsmyfuture

USP e-Modules

Accessible for Young People and Educators
​

Presentation 1: What is USP
A presentation showcasing the USP offering to inspire young people

Presentation 1 Download

Presentation 2: What is Financial Services
A presentation profiling Financial Services in Scotland to young people

Presentation 2 Download

Presentation 3: Getting Involved in Financial Services 
A presentation for profiling the pathways and careers into the Financial Services Sector 

Presentation 3 Download

E-Module: CV Skills 
A skills session developed by SFE industry partners to support young people to build a CV. Play the narrated slides or download for your own use.

CV Skills Presentation Download

E-Module: Interview Skills 
A skills session developed by SFE industry partners focuses on Interviews. Play the narrated slides or download for your own use.  

Interview Skills Presentation Download

You can also access our 'A Conversation With' videos HERE which showcase some key messages from those who work in Financial Services 

feeling inspired and want to know more about financial services?

Check out the videos and links below

Find more Financial Services Careers information at https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk
​
Find information about Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeship Pathways into our sector at www.apprenticeships.scot 

​Find live post school training, courses and job opportunities at www.youngpersonsguarantee.scot 

Information for Parents and Carers can be found at www.mykidscareer.com
​
For businesses or organisations seeking to support digital skills for young people, or you have a project that needs funding, or simply seeking your nearest coding club Digital Xtra Fund can help www.digitalxtrafund.scot

usp partners

Our programme is a collaboration between SFE and our member organisations along with wider partners highlighted below

Keep up to date with all things SFE through their website and social media channels