Central London Careers Hub Forms New Partnership with Linklaters

The Central London Careers Hub have today announced a new partnership with prestigious global law firm Linklaters. Linklaters is a leading global law firm, supporting and investing in the future of its clients wherever they do business. It employs 5,500 people, of which almost half are lawyers, located across 31 offices in 21 countries. Eight of Linklaters’ employees (both lawyers and business team members) will be volunteering as Enterprise Advisers as part of this pilot project. Forming part of the Hub’s strategy to challenge disadvantage through the utilisation of evidence-based careers experiences, the partnership will primarily be focused on supporting students in Linklaters’ surrounding boroughs of Hackney, Islington, and Haringey. Once the pilot is complete, Linklaters hopes to work with career hubs nationally, with a particular focus on social mobility cold spots.

One of the most impactful tools to support young people to remain in education, employment or training is the consistent provision of meaningful careers experiences. Research from the Careers and Enterprise Company, the national body for careers education in England, indicates that providing four or more of these experiences during a person’s school career can increase the likelihood of staying in the education system by up to 85%. This partnership will focus on ensuring that this work reaches those at the highest risk by targeted support on raising aspirations and demystifying routes into the industry.

Employer Engagement Coordinator, Connor Natella, said of the new initiative,

This partnership marks a new way of supporting industry professionals to bridge the careers gap in their local areas. We are committed to being volunteer led, providing opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and, ultimately, investing in activity that promotes better outcomes for students and organisations.

Jonathan Tait, Corporate Responsibility Senior Advisor at Linklaters, said,

The Enterprise Adviser project provides unique opportunities to bridge the gap between the education system and the world of work. This innovative approach to enhancing careers education will help to ensure that all young people, regardless of background, have the chance to fulfil their potential. We are proud to partner with the Central London Careers Hub on this wonderful addition to our portfolio of Social Impact programmes and activities.

Joining the network as one of the first intake of Enterprise Advisers, Sarah Nicholson, Associate (Corporate / M&A), who also leads on the Social Mobility Network at Linklaters said,

Quality careers advice is some of the most impactful youth work being delivered today. This pilot project represents our shared commitment to ensuring education providers are well equipped to provide accurate and relevant career advice. Our first cohort of Enterprise Advisers will work with local schools to assist them in developing tailored careers strategies, ensuring that every young person has access to all information and opportunities to find their best next step.

The Advisers will be working with local Careers Leaders and other stakeholders over the coming months to support the shared mission of the two organisations, with further updates scheduled later in the academic year.

The Central London Careers Hub is a fully funded service designed to bridge the gap between industry and education. If your organisation could benefit from a similar scheme, reach out to the team at [email protected] to arrange an introduction call.