The Inspirational Learning Group is proud to work in partnership with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to deliver the FCA ScamSmart Challenge, an employer-led education programme that combines financial education with careers and employability skills.

The challenge engaged 920 students from ten schools and colleges across Leeds and London, giving them the opportunity to tackle a real-world issue through an immersive business challenge. Working in teams, students responded to a live employer brief, researching financial scams before developing and presenting innovative campaigns and solutions to a panel of industry judges at the Regional Finals, hosted at the FCA Headquarters.

The programme was designed to do much more than increase awareness of financial scams. Through employer engagement and project-based learning, students developed the essential skills employers are looking for, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, resilience and presentation skills.

Alongside these transferable skills, students gained a greater understanding of careers within the financial sector, apprenticeship opportunities and the pathways available to them after education. By connecting classroom learning with real industry challenges, the programme helped students build confidence, raise aspirations and understand how their skills can be applied in the workplace.

The success of the FCA ScamSmart Challenge has led to The Inspirational Learning Group and the Financial Conduct Authority extending their partnership for a further year. Together, we will continue to provide more schools and colleges with meaningful employer encounters that inspire young people, develop future talent and prepare students for the world of work.

Watch the highlights from the Regional Finals at the FCA Headquarters below.