We are now an official Community Interest Company
With International Womens’ Day and National Careers week completed, now seems a good time to round up 24/25 www.Junior-Trader.org diversity inspired lecture series which ended at Alliance Manchester Business School with a huge 250 in-person lecture ‘Equity Research in Practice’ to a globally diverse bunch of highly engaged undergrads. ESG investment is a big theme for students and this was discussed at a high level with 2024’s winning students and Zeus CEO Nick Cowles. Also in 2024 Bolton School Girls’ Division were treated to an outstanding networking and behind the scenes event by Jeffries Alex Coffey, CFA and my former colleague Charlotte Edgar. Hopefully the first of many dealing floor walk-throughs. The days of ratio analysis are being replaced by ethical investment scoring and these students know what they want. Great! After-lecture Q&A is how to get net noticed in a frustrated recruitment process – exactly what we are here to help with. JT is the first step towards building a cv or profile, so well done to the class of 24/25 for taking the first step. The Y12’s Xmas trading results are also in, as revealed by Simon Keegan, who witnessed JT from the Inside. 47 teams from the NW took part, with many using ingenious method to avoid investing in the shares I’d asked them to. All 47 teams made money this year, thanks to lessons in balancing portfolios. 11 teams beat the pinstripe pro’s; from The Manchester Grammar School Manchester High School for Girls, Withington Girls’ School and Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and Bolton School Girls’ Division. JT will be taking the winners behind the scenes to an IB or access to CEO’s, which I always look forward to! We were also commended by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. BIG NEWS from Junior Trader. It’s been separated from all commercial activities and is now incorporated as an independent Community Interest Company. We are finding sponsors already who wish to spend time with our young financiers, and that is breaking down barriers and creating trusted relationships in the void that safeguarding has created in workplace experience. We have added “JT+” to further 6th formers & undergrads commitment to a career in finance, including an advanced module, career coaching and group walking lecture tours in the City-featuring interactive content rather than just a blue plaque walk. JT+, I believe a first in finance – has been approved by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award with JT Share Trading now a DofE Gold skill – combining learning with career development! This is the longest single project I’ve worked on (16 years) and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Get in touch to involve your school, students, IB. Or if you worked with me in the 90’s just get yourself out of retirement and give a talk at your local school! We have a waitlist of schools for this coveted scheme. If we do make a profit, then we will continue to invest in diversity and assisting talent enter financial services.
