Free trading summer school supports students from diverse backgrounds into finance careers

27th September 2023

Eighteen students have taken part in a fully funded financial markets trading summer school aiming to encourage young people from more diverse backgrounds into careers in the finance and trading sector.

The five-week accredited trading course, hosted by the Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University, was aimed at breaking down traditional barriers to financial services by bringing together academia and industry.

The programme, delivered by ZISHI, was hosted by professional traders in Sheffield Business School’s purpose-built trading room.

Thanks to financial support from ICE, VTCT and ZISHI, the trading summer school was free of charge for those involved removing the cost barrier associated with learning how to trade.

The Sheffield Hallam students, from a variety of academic and socio-economic backgrounds, who successfully completed the course received an advance diploma in Financial Trading from VTCT.

Damion Taylor, Financial Services lead in Sheffield Business School, and trading summer school lead for the University, said:

“Our first financial trading summer programme has been nothing short of amazing. In partnership with ZISHI, Sheffield Business School have become leaders in financial markets trading education, and as a university that actively promotes inclusion and supports ambition regardless of background, we want to take every opportunity to drive widening participation in financial services. 

This is why delivering the fully funded summer programme for a group of students with a range of backgrounds and life stories was so important. Over the past few weeks, it has been wonderful to witness the individual growth not just in technical skills but also in characteristics which will help the students excel in life.”

Talking about her experience, finance and investment student, Tanvi Pardeshi, said:

“It has increased my confidence, data analysis skills, and decision-making abilities, as well as instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and discipline. Trading has evolved into more than a financial endeavour; it has become a passion that brings out the best in me.”

Applications were accepted from current students at Sheffield Hallam, and applicants from groups which were underrepresented in trading roles based on ethnicity, gender or socio-economic background were encouraged.

Neil Scurlock, Head of ICE Education, said:

“ICE has been involved in financial education programs for over a decade and we are proud to support this initiative to help broaden the students’ financial industry understanding, and in turn, nurture the next generation of market participants. The students were engaged, curious and pro-active, and we hope this course has served to promote an interest in finance and the opportunities available within the sector.”

Addressing social mobility issues and supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the finance industry, is a proven – and invaluable – CSR initiative with significant and direct impact.

VTCT Deputy CEO, Ashley Barnes, said:

“We take immense pride witnessing our Grants & Bursaries scheme being utilised in such a dynamic and innovative way, engaging and inspiring underrepresented learners and giving them access to a career in financial trading”.

ZISHI’s Global Head of Professional Trader Qualifications, Robert Russell, not only thanks programme partners for their valued support but,

“more importantly, the attending students who have gone above and beyond. It’s been a pleasure to witness their unquestionable engagement, commitment and work ethic from the first minute to the last. Approaching every day with unwavering enthusiasm and drive both on an individual basis and group collective,” and continues “we, along with partners, are already planning 2024’s summer programme and have aspirations to extend beyond current capacity”.