Next generation grills top executives
DOCKLANDS companies opened their doors to students last week to reassure the next generation that their prospects are still good despite the financial climate.
Businesses taking part in last Thursday’s event included London City Airport, Canary Wharf-based Credit Suisse and law firm Clifford Chance.
Participating companies gave the students an insight into prospective careers and allowed them to grill top executives.
The event, called A Capital Experience, was organised by business-education charity Career Academies UK, based at 25 Canada Square.
City Airport PR manager Rupa Haria said: “We use opportunities like this to talk to people about the airport and it comes across better when they can see the jobs in action.
“We received a lot of interest in jobs at the airport as a result of A Capital Experience.�
Later that day, the 1,000 students who had visited businesses across the capital went to the Royal National Theatre to discuss their experiences.
Director general of the Institute of Directors Miles Templeman, who gave a speech to the students, said: “Whatever the current climate, we do still have a responsibility towards the next generation.
“Companies of all shapes and sizes, in all sectors, need to ensure they are developing a future pipeline of diverse talent.�
Chief executive of Career Academies UK, John May, said: “It was a day when the doom and gloom of the continuing economic crisis was put to one side as businesses across London threw open their doors to young people who aren’t a million years away from entering the workplace. After all, the future of this country will be in their hands.�
The Career Academy programme works with students from diverse backgrounds and areas of social need, who would not normally have access to such opportunities.
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