Talent collaboration programme UWE Futures expands to support diversity in Bristol's legal and creative sectors

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) talent programme, UWE Futures, which offers work experience and mentoring to global majority students, has expanded in its second year to include more legal firms and a leading organisation in Bristol’s creative sector.

The second year of the UWE Futures programme, which aims to improve diversity in industries in Bristol and create a new talent pipeline, will see legal firms RPC and Foot Anstey join Osborne Clarke, Burges Salmon, Clarke Willmott and Simmons & Simmons, while TV and film production company Plimsoll Productions has also signed up to the initiative.

UWE Bristol also joins the initiative as a participating organisation offering paid work experience opportunities in the University’s HR and Finance departments.

UWE Futures is a work experience and mentoring programme for final-year global majority undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds studying at UWE Bristol.

This year, the programme has expanded to provide nearly 30 placements across eight businesses, offering one-week paid work experience. Students will be placed in business teams such as HR, Marketing, Finance and Risk.

Sarah Grabham, Deputy Head of UWE Bristol’s College of Business and Law, said: “After the success of last year’s pilot, we are really pleased that more organisations in Bristol have joined the UWE Futures programme, meaning more of our students have the opportunity to put their academic studies into practice and gain invaluable work experience. We have also extended our support to the scheme by joining it as a participating organisation offering paid internships within the University.

“UWE Futures plays a key role across the University in supporting our global majority students through their academic journey to achieve their ambitions and realise their career aspirations.”

Students within the UWE Futures scheme will also have the opportunity to secure an extended internship or be offered a guaranteed interview for suitable roles.

Tim Simmonds, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Osborne Clarke, and an independent member of the University’s Board of Governors, said: "It's fantastic to build on the success of the pilot UWE Futures programme to broaden opportunities for talented students looking to pursue careers in professional services. Last year, we were delighted to hire a UWE Futures programme alumnus, Fabia, into our Responsible Business team. This achievement highlights the real impact this initiative can have for all participants."

Lilymay Rice, Talent Manager at Plimsoll Productions, which is one of the new organisations to join UWE Futures, said: “We are thrilled to support the UWE Futures programme. At Plimsoll we are always looking for opportunities to welcome new talent into our organisation, and UWE Futures aligns with our determination to help make the television industry a more inclusive place.”