Students taking part in the initiative at the Pensions UK annual conference in Manchester
Pensions UK has launched a future leaders initiative in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University designed to introduce university students to the opportunities and impact of a career in pensions.
The trade body said the initiative - Pensions UK: Future Leaders – is being run at its annual conference in Manchester this week and will see up to 40 final-year finance and accountancy students attend special sessions at its annual conference covering both the theory and practice of pensions and investments.
Students will then join delegates at the main conference to experience the industry first-hand by attending talks, networking with professionals, and visiting the exhibition hall.
Pensions UK said the programme forms part of its ongoing commitment to give back to the Manchester community and to shine a spotlight on the next generation of talent entering the pensions industry.
It said the initiative had also been supported by Manchester Central, the venue hosting the Pensions UK conference, as well as Marketing Manchester, the agency charged with promoting Greater Manchester nationally & internationally as a place to visit, invest, meet, and study.
Pensions UK chief executive Julian Mund said: "We're thrilled to launch Pensions UK: Future Leaders here at our annual conference in the city that has welcomed us for so many years. Partnering with Manchester Metropolitan University allows us to speak directly to those who will shape the future of our industry.
"The pensions sector continues to grow and evolve, and it's vital that we keep enhancing and expanding our collective knowledge. By engaging with students early in their careers, we can gain fresh perspectives, broaden diversity and ensure the industry remains vibrant and forward-looking. This initiative is about working in collaboration with the next generation, inspiring tomorrow's pensions professionals today."
Manchester Metropolitan University lecturer and banking & finance employability lead Melanie McHale added: "We're delighted to be partnering with Pensions UK and Marketing Manchester on the Future Leaders initiative. This is a fantastic opportunity for our final-year banking & finance and accountancy students to gain real-world insight into the pensions industry, connect with professionals, and explore the impact they can have in shaping its future. We're really pleased to offer our students the chance to discover a sector they may not be familiar with, but where they can potentially forge a meaningful career.
"At Manchester Metropolitan University, we're committed to preparing our students for successful careers, and this collaboration reflects our shared values of innovation, inclusion, and community engagement. We're grateful to Pensions UK and Marketing Manchester for working with us on this inaugural conference, and we look forward to seeing many future success stories emerge as a result."
Manchester Central head of sustainability and impact Lauren Hudson said: "At Manchester Central, we see firsthand the power events have to bring people together and create lasting impact. By supporting and facilitating initiatives like the Pensions UK: Future Leaders Student Initiative, we can play a part in helping to develop future talent and ensure events leave a meaningful social legacy."
Marketing Manchester tourism sustainability manager Richard Walker added: "Pensions UK and Manchester Metropolitan University's student initiative demonstrates how the city-region can collaborate with event organisers to create lasting social impact. This partnership has shown students new possibilities and will help young people build meaningful careers in the sector. It also aligns with Greater Manchester's goal to foster a thriving city-region where everyone has access to quality jobs and opportunities."
