CME Group is a prominent futures and options exchange business where clients manage risk and seize opportunities, especially during periods of high volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.
The company operates with core values of conviction, integrity, and ingenuity, aiming to build lasting relationships. Beyond its primary financial services, CME Group is dedicated to being a positive force in the community, particularly through initiatives that inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
What CME Group did
CME Group in Belfast has developed a comprehensive programme to promote STEM education among young people. This involves numerous employee STEM ambassadors volunteering at local schools, from primary to secondary levels, to showcase the exciting possibilities of STEM careers. In 2024 alone, CME Group has been invited to speak at 16 schools, conducting interactive employability talks and mock interviews for students interested in STEM and Law roles. Additionally, they advocate for Higher Level (Degree) Apprenticeships as a viable and funded pathway to a university degree, engaging parents and students in ‘Speakers for Schools’ events to broaden their perspectives on technology careers.
CME Group’s Technology Degree Apprenticeship programme offers students a direct route to employment and a funded university education. The programme targets students in their final year of school or college who are passionate about technology. It includes six-month rotations across various technology teams, providing diverse experiences and learning opportunities. This programme has been recognised with the Large Employer of the Year Award and has led to CME Group advising other companies on apprenticeship programmes. The programme has grown annually, with the first cohort of apprentices set to graduate soon, and one already securing a role in the Cyber Security team.
CME Group actively promotes diversity in STEM, especially among female students, who are underrepresented in Northern Ireland. This effort includes role modeling by successful women from CME Group who present in girls’ schools and participate in initiatives like Sisters IN. They also engage in career events, emphasising the importance of STEM knowledge even in non-STEM careers, such as the beauty industry. This outreach encourages students to follow relevant thought leaders on social media to receive current and genuine information about potential careers.
CME Group’s internship programme, which has been running for 12 years, provides third-year university students with hands-on experience in the industry. Interns work independently on projects that have a global impact, gaining confidence and practical skills. Feedback from interns and industry peers is used to continually improve and adapt local university courses. The programme also demonstrates CME Group’s commitment to inclusive hiring, with a near-equal gender split among interns.
Key Impacts and Outcomes
- Developed and delivered interactive talks and mock interviews for students, promoted Higher Level Apprenticeships as an alternative to traditional university paths, and presented at multiple schools and career events, reaching a wide audience of students and parents
- Engaged in various educational boards and advisory roles to shape curricula and reduce skills gaps and advised other companies on apprenticeship programmemes
- Participated in initiatives supporting girls in developing employment skills, conducted outreach to increase female participation in STEM, and hosted presentations by successful women in STEM to serve as role models
- Through an intern programme, provided valuable industry experience to interns, with a balanced gender representation and contributed to shaping local university courses based on feedback
- Donated end-of-life equipment to schools, benefiting several integrated schools in Northern Ireland
- Prepared the next generation of business and technology leaders through comprehensive educational and career support programmes
What the Judges said
“The Judges felt that CME Group have taken a multi-layered approach when striving to positively improve skills progression.”