Clinical Negligence Partner Kashmir Uppal took part in a fast-paced, interactive session with students from Sidney Stringer Academy in Coventry last month as part of Ahead Partnership’s Growing Talent West Midlands careers and skills programme.
400 students aged 12 – 14 years old fired their questions about working in business, professional and financial services (BPFS) and the skills employers are looking for at a panel of business volunteers from a range of local employers. Kashmir was on hand to give them the benefit of her career experience and explain the range of pathways available into the legal sector, as well as why she is passionate about her role supporting her clients at Shoosmiths.
Led and delivered by Ahead Partnership, Growing Talent West Midlands responds to business concerns around talent, diversity and future workforce whilst ensuring that every young person can find a successful future in the region, regardless of their background. The scheme addresses skills gaps, strengthens the talent pipeline and improves diversity in the region’s fastest-growing sectors by bringing them to life for young people through a year-round programme of exciting employer-led activity in schools and colleges such as careers panels, insight days, guest speeches, speed networking, live brief challenges, work experience and podcasts.
Launched in 2022, Goldman Sachs, PwC, John Lewis Partnership, Pinsent Masons, St Modwen, AND Digital, Infinity Works and Intercity are among the forward-thinking business, education, community and public sector partners funding and leading the initiative.
Leonie Matthews, Programme Manager at Ahead Partnership, said: “The skills organisations need to sustain and grow their operations are changing at a rapid rate and employers like Shoosmiths are best placed to share this with young people, giving them a better understanding of what the world of world expects before they leave school.
“Our Growing Talent West Midlands careers panels allow young people to ask their own questions to inform their futures. We’ve been delighted with Shoosmiths’ involvement supporting students in the West Midlands area to discover the different roles and opportunities available right on their doorstep. Having a positive role model like Kashmir involved, along with different volunteers from a range of local employers, really inspired the students to investigate and explore options and pathways they hadn’t heard of before. Getting that first interaction with someone from the business world also improved their confidence and speaking skills which are vital for any modern-day workplace.”
If you’d like more information about the Growing Talent West Midlands programme please visit:
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This information is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. Please contact us for specific advice on your circumstances. © Shoosmiths LLP 2025.