KPMG UK has joined with global law firm Clifford Chance to welcome London secondary school students into the workplace this week, giving them first-hand insight into the world of work. The event is part of KPMG UK’s Opening Doors to Opportunities programme, which aims to support young people to build skills and confidence for employment.
It comes as new findings from the Government’s Young People and Work Interim Report show that nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds across the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), with six in ten young people who are NEET having never had a job.
The initiative brought together 28 students, aged 13 to 14, from Heston Community School, who spent the day at KPMG’s and Clifford Chance’s Canary Wharf offices taking part in a series of workshops designed to build confidence and career readiness.
Coinciding with London Tech Week, the event focused on digital skills and the future world of work, with students taking part in interactive sessions exploring how technology and AI are transforming industries and developing the practical skills increasingly sought by employers.
The programme was delivered in partnership with The Talent Foundry, who administer the programme and facilitate the workshop sessions for the students.
Anna Purchas, London Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK, said: “Supporting social mobility is central to our Opening Doors to Opportunities programme. We know talent is everywhere, but opportunities aren’t, so supporting students in London to develop their work insights and ambitions is a real privilege.
“While London has the lowest rate of young people not in education, employment or training of any English region, too many still lack access to the networks and skills that can help them succeed. As technology and AI continue to reshape the workplace, initiatives like this provide valuable insight into different career paths and help build confidence for the future.”
Cathy Jones, Head of Community Outreach at Clifford Chance, said: “Clifford Chance is pleased to support this initiative. It aligns with our aims to provide opportunities for young people to meet lawyers and business professionals and to have dialogue about the needs and challenges facing businesses like ours. In-person experiences like this can be inspirational and insightful for young people thinking about the path they might take to fulfil their future career ambitions”.
The Clifford Chance event was one of a series of sessions delivered across London, with KPMG also partnering with HSBC to host a similar experience.
KPMG UK’s wider Opening Doors to Opportunities programme contributes to the firm’s ambition to reach one million young people with opportunities to develop career readiness by 2030.