Empowering the youth of today, for the jobs of tomorrow

We are living through a major transformation in the way we work. From the adoption of AI and automation to the evolving skillsets organisations are looking for, these changes are reshaping the world of work – at a time when geopolitics and financial markets are wrestling with increased risk, volatility, and disruption.

For young people with ambitions of their own, carving out a career path amongst the noise can seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

At the very core of what RBC strives for as an organisation is helping clients thrive and communities prosper. And youth is a focal pillar of that approach. Quite simply, they are our future.

From supporting young athletes, entrepreneurs and performers in the British Isles, to offering scholarship and internship opportunities throughout Canada, RBC continues to invest in and champion education and skills programmes for young people. At the centre of this approach? RBC Future Launch.

RBC Future Launch

The goal of RBC Future Launch is to help youth put their best foot forward as they step into the workplace.

This programme is a 10-year, $500 million commitment to help empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow and marks the largest commitment to a social issue in RBC history.

Bringing young people together with community leaders and partners across the private and public sectors to help them prepare for the future of work and co-create long-term employment solutions is a strong catalyst for positive change.

“We’re co-creating with governments, educators, youth-serving organisations, and companies large and small to foster change that makes a real difference,” says Mark Beckles, vice president of Social Impact and Innovation at RBC. “We know that real change comes from within. And we’re committed to making a long-term transformation here at RBC.”

To date, RBC Future Launch has engaged with more than 500 community partners, reached more than five million young people through related educational programmes, and invested $313 million in activities and resources across Canada. From engaging emerging youth leaders in treaty implementation and negotiation practices in Quebec, to empowering young people in the Yukon with the knowledge and network to take climate action, the scope of RBC Future Launch is extensive.

So what’s the result so far? Well, an amazing 80 percent of youth report feeling better prepared for the future of work through participating in RBC Future Launch programmes.

But it’s not just Canada’s youth benefitting from RBC’s commitment to the next generation.

Inspiring Britain’s youth of tomorrow

RBC Future Launch has set a precedent for RBCers across the world to help bridge the gap between the youth of today and the jobs of tomorrow. This ethos is mirrored in the British Isles, where RBC continues to empower young people to act on their ambitions.

“We see a future in their future,” says Jennifer Sofianou, director of Sponsorships, Events and Citizenship at RBC Wealth Management in the British Isles. “Working with our local communities and championing programmes that provide young people with the skills they’ll need to excel in later life is pivotal if we’re to have a healthy and equitable society,” Sofianou says. “We’re supporting them on that journey by increasing their access to work related programmes, tools, and resources.”

Here are just a few of the youth-orientated partnerships RBC Wealth Management’s British Isles business supports:

The Prince’s Trust

A charity with youth at its heart, The Prince’s Trust helps young people aged 11 to 30 get in to jobs and access education and training. Since 2019, RBC has supported its Enterprise Programme, assisting young entrepreneurs through a mix of advice, training, mentoring and funding so they can make their business ideas a reality. Read one of the success stories here.

The Old Vic

The Old Vic is an iconic staple of London’s performing arts scene. What’s more, it’s a not-for-profit and champions young people through its Take the Lead programme, which RBC Wealth Management and RBC Capital Markets have supported since 2018. Together, they help more than 800 students annually to complete a theatre skills course designed to give young adults confidence and practical skills so they’re prepared for the world of work.

The BRIT School

The BRIT School is a free to attend performing and creative arts school responsible for nurturing some of the world’s finest creative talent such as Amy Winehouse and Adele. RBC’s partnership with The BRIT School is focused on helping more diverse voices influence the art of tomorrow. As part of this push, the RBC Emerging Artists Prize was launched in 2021, which celebrates the creative work of two final year students and provides financial support for their future artistic journeys.

The BRIT School principal, Stuart Worden (middle), at RBC’s office with the winners of the RBC Emerging Artist Award.

SportsAid

SportsAid is a truly unique national charity. It supports more than 1,000 young athletes each year by providing them with funding to supplement training and competition costs. Since 2014, RBC and its employees have donated and raised more than £965,000 for SportsAid – funds that provide young British athletes with additional financial support so they can achieve their full potential across a range of sporting disciplines.

The partnership has been a resounding success: 77 athletes supported by RBC Wealth Management and RBC Capital Markets have secured world class funding and competed at Olympic, World and Commonwealth levels. Not only this, but RBC’s employee buddy system provides the athletes with an added support network they can draw upon for guidance and advice.

SportsAid’s 2022 One-to-Watch Award winners.

A network is more than who you know

Youth are our future, and motivation and an embrace of learning are key to their success. But they need support. By leveraging community partnerships across sectors, young people can turn their bold ideas into reality.

Find out more about RBC’s charitable partnerships and commitment to the community here.