Students grow their ambitions with law firm Blake Morgan in Wales

Students from Bridgend and Cardiff were given the opportunity of a unique work placement scheme with their local law firm Blake Morgan this summer.

Now in its seventh year, the Growing Ambitions scheme gives young people nominated by local social housing associations the chance to spend a week with the law firm, gaining vital work experience and learning more about the world of business which will help with their job prospects at a later date.

Mentored by trainee solicitors, 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 Valleys to Coast Housing and Taff Housing Association.

Marie Kiff from Valleys to Coast Housing says: “Seven years in and 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.”

Claire O’Sullivan, 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.”