Primary school children from inner-city areas across Leeds engaged with legal firms in June and July through a series of exciting World of Work Days.
Delivered by Ahead Partnership, the Leeds Law Society president’s chosen community partner for 2021-22, the Leeds Law Society Education Programme enabled businesses to reach-out to the next generation of talent, engaging young people with different skills and perspectives within the sector.
Gordons, Gateley and Ward Hadaway volunteered their support and sponsorship to the initiative to help students from Carr Manor Primary School in Meanwood (pictured); Greenmount Primary School in Beeston; and Raynville Primary School in Bramley to better understand jobs available in law, meet role models and develop key skills for employment.
Helping to inspire the future workforce, the programme encouraged 99% of the students involved to say that it had improved their understanding of how to get into different careers, and 91% said that they were now motivated to work harder at school.
Commenting on the programme, Megan Lipp, head of development at Ahead Partnership, said: “It has been fantastic to lead the delivery of this year’s Leeds Law Society Education Programme, working closely with the society and some really forward-thinking sponsor firms and volunteers to generate the most impact for young people across East, South and West Leeds.”
“The city’s professional services sector offers many ways to build a rewarding career, and this type of work helps us to ensure that young people from right across the city are aware of the opportunities available to them in this sector and beyond. In turn, the local economy can then go on to benefit and thrive from harnessing a diversity of perspectives.”
Matthew Jones, president at Leeds Law Society, said: “Our Education Programme is always a great opportunity for legal firms across Leeds to engage with the local community and encourage the next generation of talent to develop their skills and ambitions for employment from an early stage.”
“It is in our collective interest to protect and develop our talent pipeline, and this type of activity enables primary school children to develop meaningful connections with businesses for the future. We’re really pleased to have been able to work with Ahead Partnership, our chosen community partner for this year, to deliver a programme of activity that has made a real impact in terms of changing perspectives and enhancing understanding of the working world.”
Christina Kettlewell, real estate director at Ward Hadaway, added: “Sponsoring activity as part of this year’s Education Programme has been a great way for us to show our support for the talent of the future.”
“We’re really proud of our volunteers who gave their time to get involved in the World of Work days; it has been a really practical way for our colleagues to give back to the local community and play their part in developing a more diverse and inclusive workforce in Leeds.”
Image: Ahead Partnership
