Leeds Office Provides Support To School Students

During a time when there is concern about ensuring young people are prepared for the job market, Leeds-based law firm Irwin Mitchell is helping to inform school students about the workplace by hosting an open day at their offices.

The company invited some young rugby players, who had been on a recent Outward Bound Trust adventure week – an initiative the company supports in association with the Leeds Rugby Foundation - to their ‘World of Work’ day.

The open day saw boys from across the city’s junior rugby clubs be taken through workshops with Leeds Rugby and Irwin Mitchell personnel to learn more about  financial management, putting together a CV, interview tips, as well as providing an insight into the workplace of a professional services firm.

This followed the eight-day residential course held during the school summer holidays where 50 young rugby players had the opportunity to go hiking, abseiling, climbing and camping in Wales’ Snowdonia National Park.

Peter Morris, Partner at Irwin Mitchell who has been actively involved in the residential project and instrumental in organising the office visit said: “It seemed right to complete the experience for these young lads – the Outward Bound activity weeks really helped them increase their confidence, to work as a team and push the boundaries physically. We wanted to add another dimension with an introduction to the workplace. It is really important that our young people have an understanding of the responsibilities of their lives ahead.

The boys and our staff were also really excited about being able to have the Super League Trophy here as well!” 

Sean Connelly, aged 15, was on the activity week. He said: “This day at Irwin Mitchell has taught me loads. The adventure week was absolutely amazing – especially the rock climbing and the expedition we went on. I have made friends with players from the other clubs and have really enjoyed working in teams with them.”

Sam Horner, Amateur Club Community Development Officer at the Leeds Rugby Foundation, said: “The affect the outward bound project has had on the kids is incredible. From our first meeting before the course began to their work today, the change is obvious to see.

“The highlight for me was seeing the boys from different clubs bond and encourage each other to overcome their fears. They worked as a team and demonstrated some good leadership skills. Leeds Rugby would like to thank Irwin Mitchell for their support and for organising this valuable ‘World of Work’ day. It is really encouraging to see how positively the boys have reacted to the exercises.”

Trainee solicitors Fay Gould and Vicky Akroyd, who delivered the exercises at the open day, said: “After doing physical activities together and having bonded as a team it was great to see the boys working so well together on the tasks we set them. They even reacted well when managing budgets and finances. The skills they’re learning today will really help them when they come to leave school and enter the job market.”