The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) talent programme, UWE Futures, which offers work experience and mentoring to global majority students, has expanded in its second year to include more legal firms and a leading organisation in Bristol’s creative sector.
The second year of the UWE Futures programme, which aims to improve diversity in industries in Bristol and create a new talent pipeline, will see legal firms RPC and Foot Anstey join Osborne Clarke, Burges Salmon, Clarke Willmott and Simmons & Simmons, while TV and film production company Plimsoll Productions has also signed up to the initiative.
UWE Bristol also joins the initiative as a participating organisation offering paid work experience opportunities in the University’s HR and Finance departments.
UWE Futures is a work experience and mentoring programme for final-year global majority undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds studying at UWE Bristol.
This year, the programme has expanded to provide nearly 30 placements across eight businesses, offering one-week paid work experience. Students will be placed in business teams such as HR, Marketing, Finance and Risk.
Students will also have the opportunity to secure an extended internship or be offered a guaranteed interview for suitable roles.
Sarah Grabham, Deputy Head of UWE Bristol’s College of Business and Law, said:
“After the success of last year’s pilot, we are really pleased that more organisations in Bristol have joined the UWE Futures programme, meaning more of our students have the opportunity to put their academic studies into practice and gain invaluable work experience. We have also extended our support to the scheme by joining it as a participating organisation offering paid internships within the University.
“UWE Futures plays a key role across the University in supporting our global majority students through their academic journey to achieve their ambitions and realise their career aspirations.”
Tim Simmonds, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Osborne Clarke, and an independent member of the University’s Board of Governors, said:
"It's fantastic to build on the success of the pilot UWE Futures programme to broaden opportunities for talented students looking to pursue careers in professional services. Last year, we were delighted to welcome UWE Futures programme alumnus, Fabia, for an extended internship in our Responsible Business and Change & Transformation teams. This achievement highlights the real impact this initiative can have for all participants."
Alice Bretherton, Chief People Officer at Burges Salmon, commented:
“We’re thrilled to once again be a part of UWE Futures, building upon our successful collaboration with UWE and other law firms in Bristol. The feedback we had from our 2024 student cohort – Jeyar, Jeevan and Hani – as well as from our people who also hugely benefitted from the nine-month long mentoring programme, has been extremely positive. We’re thrilled to have further expanded the scheme this year and to be welcoming five students this week into our business teams.
“Diversity of all kinds brings immense benefits and UWE Futures is one of the many initiatives we’ve pioneered and championed as part of our strategy to reach an even wider talent pool, helping to dismantle barriers so underrepresented groups have the opportunities to get a foot in the door and gain valuable experience at top law firms across the city.”
Burges Salmon, RPC and Simmons & Simmons will provide skills development sessions for all participants and the week will culminate in a celebration event hosted by Osborne Clarke.
Lilymay Rice, Talent Manager at Plimsoll Productions, said:
“We are thrilled to support the UWE Futures programme. At Plimsoll we are always looking for opportunities to welcome new talent into our organisation, and UWE Futures aligns with our determination to help make the television industry a more inclusive place.”
James Wickes, Partner and Co-Lead of the Social Mobility Community at RPC, said:
“RPC is proud to support initiatives like UWE Futures, which align with our commitment to improving social mobility and increasing diversity within the legal profession. Programmes like this are vital in creating pathways for talented individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the legal and professional services sectors.
"Through mentoring, paid work experience, and ongoing support, UWE Futures is helping to break down barriers and build a more representative and inclusive Bristol legal community. We look forward to seeing the impact this programme has on the next generation of legal professionals and are honoured to be part of this important collaboration.”
UWE Futures forms part of Osborne Clarke's wider engagement programme to diversify its recruitment talent pool and progress its Race Action Plan, , focused on three areas: recruitment; retention and inclusion, and progression. Other initiatives include the 10,000 Interns Foundation Programmes, the Talent Programme, OC Scholars and The Bridge Programme.
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