Students grow their ambitions with Blake Morgan in the Thames Valley

Students have been given the opportunity to take advantage of a unique work placement scheme with law firm Blake Morgan.

Now in its sixth year, Growing Ambitions gives young people nominated by local social housing associations the chance to spend a week with Blake Morgan, gaining vital work experience and learning more about the world of business that will enhance their prospects of employment at a later date.

Mentored by trainee solicitors based in Blake Morgan’s Thames Valley offices, the programme includes the opportunity to spend “a day in the life of” a lawyer, attending Court, taking part in workshops to learn skills such as negotiation and presentation and time with human resources professionals who give tips on interview techniques and completing applications forms.

The 2018 programme includes students who have joined from Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust and Cottsway Housing Association.

Caroline Drew, Community Engagement Officer at Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust says: “This unique work experience programme continues to benefit young people in our community. Blake Morgan really is helping young people to focus on their futures and understand the career opportunities available to them. What’s more, it has created new networking opportunities and opened doors to the young people involved for future mentoring and guidance.”

Iona Easton, a trainee solicitor with Blake Morgan added: “As a top 50 UK law firm with a significant presence in the social housing sector, we are very proud to run the award winning Growing Ambitions programme. We continue to work closely with our social housing clients to offer young people aged 15-17 meaningful work experience. The feedback from past students has been excellent with many using the opportunity to help shape their future career paths.”