5 STAR Futures was created by DWF to enable aspirational young people to unlock their potential by developing their confidence and employability skills. The programme has been running at schools across the UK for the last six years, and was recently completed for the first time by King's Oak Academy in Bristol.
A group of volunteers from LV= General Insurance worked with DWF's team to give the students a broader experience within different businesses. The programme gave the youngsters a chance to learn about the world of work, as well as gaining valuable skills such as the importance of resilience and networking.
The programme involved a number of workshops on topics such as workplace behaviours, effective communication and resilience. The final session included an 'awards evening' where the pupils each gave a speech in front of their guests from home, their classmates and their teachers, demonstrating their increase in confidence.
Ty Jones, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Engagement at DWF, said: "DWF is committed to helping the future businessmen and women of tomorrow prepare for the challenges that await them when they enter the world of work. We were delighted that LV= General Insurance could partner with us on this particular programme working with King’s Oak Academy, which is part of the Cabot Learning Federation in Bristol. The academy provides a high quality educational experience built upon three core purposes of Trust, Respect and Inspire; something very much aligned with our 5 STAR Futures programme experience.
"We feel it is important that businesses offer support to young people to help them gain the skills needed for working life and we are aiming to grow the programme in 2019."
Pete Britton, Claims Manager at LV= General Insurance, added: “As someone who is involved in the programme, it is really great to see how engaged the students are in the workshops. The recent session looking at communication really got them to not only think about skills that would help them in the future, but also to look at how communication has changed with advancements in technology such as social media. I was very impressed with their attitude to discussing the benefits associated with social media but also how they recognised the hazards and how they can be safeguarded.”
