Teenagers from Community Clubs in the Leeds and District area recently got the chance to experience a day at the office thanks to Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and Leeds Rhinos Foundation.
Earlier this year 39 teenagers were nominated by their Community Clubs to take part in an Outdoor Adventures Programme, sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, at Wooley Edge Activity Site in Wakefield. The youngsters took part in a variety of activities including team building, night manoeuvres, kayaking, raft building and abseiling.
Following on from that trip, which encouraged team work, learning outcomes and reflection, the children were invited to the offices of Irwin Mitchell for an Industry Day at their offices in Leeds.
The day was organised by Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Learning Curve Skills and saw staff from Irwin Mitchell work with the students on employment-based skills and training, focusing specifically on problem solving, CV writing, personal finances and budget setting.
Commenting of the day, Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Community Manager Sam Horner said: “The outdoor Adventures trip back in August was a life changing experience for many of the young men who took part and this follow up event at Irwin Mitchells’ office was the perfect way to enhance and develop the skills they had learned during that week in a work environment, which we hope will equip them well in their future careers.
“We had fantastic feedback from all who took part and we are extremely grateful to Irwin Mitchells and Geoff and Gill Caplan, whose generous support made this project possible. At Leeds Rhinos Foundation we are committed to helping make positive changes in people’s lives and we are pleased that we have the backing from local organisations and individuals whose backing can help us achieve that.”
Will Barker an attendee on this year’s Outdoor Adventures trip added: "I have learned that teamwork is important in life in whatever you do and relying on those around you to get you through the tasks. Meeting new people was a bit daunting at first but we soon created bonds within our group."
Irwin Mitchells Senior Partner Peter Morris concluded saying: “The day was a great success and the community Rugby League players were very engaged throughout, thanks to the interactive sessions planned by the Leeds team. We’re very proud to support the efforts of Leeds Rhinos Foundation, which works hard to deliver projects to youngsters in the local community and make sure they have access to opportunities above and beyond those provided through their education.
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