Initiatives backed by the financial services sector aim to support disadvantaged young people while helping build a more diverse future workforce. The industry is investing in education because disadvantage continues to shape children’s life chances in Ireland, and education is one of the most effective ways to break that cycle, according to Edel O’Malley, chief executive of basis.point, the charity of the Irish funds industry and its wider ecosystem.“Since its founding, basis.point has supported over 93,000 young people through education-focused programmes, backed by €8.5 million in committed funding,” she points out.“Patrons recognise that this is about more than charity. By working together through basis.point, firms align their ESG commitments with real, measurable outcomes, supporting children from early years through to education, wellbeing and career readiness. It’s a collective, long-term approach that strengthens communities and future talent pipelines at the same time.”Early and sustained educational support delivers long-term social and economic value, says O’Malley. “Disadvantage affects not only education, but future employability, health and wellbeing – issues that carry long-term costs for society and the economy.“By investing collaboratively through basis.point, the funds industry supports targeted programmes that build core skills, resilience and confidence, reaching children across every stage of development. This approach helps widen access to talent, strengthens workforce participation, and represents a smart, preventative investment, rather than a reactive cost.”Firms can contribute through mentoring, career guidance and financial literacy programmes, says Nicholas Charalambous, managing director of Alpha Wealth. “Work experience, internships and apprenticeships are also valuable in opening career pathways. Additionally, firms can offer expertise in governance, risk and strategy to help charities scale their impact effectively. Providing long-term partnerships rather than one-off initiatives can also help charities plan more effectively and deliver more consistent outcomes.”Financial advisory firms can also help deliver financial wellbeing programmes to secondary school students, focusing on the basics of money management and avoiding unnecessary debt, he continues. “Simple, practical tools such as explaining how credit card fees work, or breaking down concepts like inflation and interest rates, can be highly empowering. ‘Creating pathways into financial services careers for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds is not only socially responsible, it strengthens the industry through greater diversity and talent’— Nicholas Charalambous, Alpha Wealth“There is also an opportunity to build awareness early around topics such as tax relief and the importance of starting a pension from the beginning of a working career, helping young people make more informed financial decisions over the long term.”In 2025 alone, patrons contributed more than 3,900 volunteer hours, supporting programmes such as Business in the Community mentoring and career-readiness initiatives, says O’Malley. “Students report increased confidence, motivation to stay in education, and clearer pathways into further education and employment. Funding opens doors; trusted relationships help young people walk through them.”Responsibility for educational opportunity and social mobility must be shared, with the State as the foundation, says O’Malley. “However, basis.point demonstrates how the private sector can play a meaningful, complementary role by working in partnership with schools, communities and educators.Nicholas Charalambous, managing director, Alpha Wealth: 'Work experience, internships and apprenticeships are valuable in opening career pathways.' “By supporting children from cradle to career, basis.point helps bridge the gap between education and opportunity, through early years programmes, wellbeing supports and career-readiness initiatives. Real social mobility happens when government, education and industry work together, ensuring potential is not limited by background or circumstance.”There is also a clear need to strengthen financial literacy, says Charalambous. “Too many young people leave school without a basic understanding of money, with those from less-advantaged backgrounds most affected. “Financial services professionals are well-placed to address this gap. More consistent engagement at secondary school level, including financial wellbeing programmes, could help equip students with practical life skills such as budgeting, understanding debt, and making informed financial decisions.”Firms should be more intentional about their own recruitment pipelines, says Charalambous. “Creating pathways into financial services careers for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds is not only socially responsible, it strengthens the industry through greater diversity and talent. “This includes expanding access to internships, apprenticeships and entry-level roles, as well as building stronger links with schools and community organisations to ensure opportunities are visible and accessible to a wider range of students.”