Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has launched its first Next Generation Talent Network – bringing 18 Chamber members and partner organisations together to support 18 to 25 year olds in developing the skills and connections to progress their careers.
The Network will offer a six-month development programme to those who are early in their careers, helping them build professional and interpersonal skills. It will also teach them topics such as managing their personal brand, financial wellbeing, effective business networking, plus skills including LinkedIn training and communication.
The Network will establish a Youth Advisory Board chaired by Chambers Wales’ graduate executive Laurel Hunt. The Board, made up of young professionals working in the partner organisations, will advise on the programme content and ensure it remains relevant to the needs and aspirations of the next generation workforce.
While the programme is primarily focused on supporting young professionals already in employment, it has also been designed to include a number of students from partner universities. This will help participants develop valuable workplace skills, confidence and professional networks before entering employment, whilst creating stronger links between education and industry.
Laurel Hunt, Chambers Wales graduate executive, said of the Network: “The publication of the Milburn review last week, highlighted the issue we are facing with more than one million people aged between 16 and 24 not in education, employment or training (NEET) in the UK.
“In Wales the figures are even worse, with the most recent Welsh Government statistics showing that 17% of young people aged 16 to 24 are now classified at NEET in Wales – higher than England’s average of 13.3%.
“Chambers Wales has developed this Network response to feedback from both employers and young professionals who consistently highlight the importance of communication, presentation, relationship-building and networking skills, while young professionals have identified a desire for more mentoring, practical guidance and opportunities to learn from experienced business leaders.”
Laurel added: “The Youth Advisory Board is already being established and it’s great to speak to so many like minded young people who have overcome their own challenges and are now looking to help others. It’s a really exciting initiative and I’m so pleased to be Chairing the board.”
The 18 founding partner members of the Chambers Wales Next Generation Talent Network are Bute Energy, Browne Jacobson, Menzies, Cardiff Met University, Aspire2Be, Educ8, Cardiff University Business School, ACCA, Red Kite Solicitors, Enterprise Mobility, Hugh James, Legal News Wales, Acuity Law, Steer IT, Samten, Cyber Innovation Hub, Blake Morgan and Ogi.
As the Network grows, Chambers Wales aims to expand participation and create even more opportunities for young people across Wales to access mentoring, professional development and meaningful business connections, helping to develop a stronger pipeline of future talent for Welsh employers.