Leathersellers and CapGen continue partnership to help advance social mobility

The Leathersellers have continued a work experience partnership with CapGen (property advisors to the Leathersellers) in support of social mobility, connecting them with Sixth Form students from the Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools in south-east London, “helping young people explore their potential and future aspirations”.

The work experience placement, which focuses on practical tasks, external engagement trips, and opportunities to shadow colleagues from across the business, runs in partnership with the Leathersellers, the Wheeler Programme and GAIN UK.

The Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools develops the vision of Joseph Prendergast who founded Lewisham’s first girls’ secondary school in 1890, on a site provided by the Leathersellers’ Company. The Leathersellers now support a school community of over 3,000 pupils, contributing to governance and awarding grant funding – both unrestricted and project based, including a transformational scholarship programme.

The Leathersellers have continued a work experience partnership with CapGen in support of social mobility, introducing students to careers in investment finance.

This year saw two Sixth Form students at Prendergast School, part of the Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools, join the annual work experience programme at CapGen’s London office.

Building on the success of previous years, the programme was improved through a focus on interactive formats, giving the students an opportunity to learn more about each other, different business areas, and the wider financial landscape.

For Alfie Nguyen, who hopes to study Mathematics at King’s College London, the programme provided valuable insight into “how a small workplace functions and how investment management works,” highlighting the importance of “CV work, the sales presentation project, mock interviews, and a talk from CGE Partners (a private equity firm), which was inspiring.”

Fellow participant Alessandro Esposito, who is considering applications to Leeds, UCL or Loughborough, thought the “shadowing sessions and speed interviews were great,” and that the placement, “was a very positive experience which meant a lot to me – I was able to learn a lot more about the investment finance industry and gain confidence in the subject matter.”

Four young men sit at a table. One types on a laptop while the others look on. Colourful artwork hangs on the wall behind them. Documents, a phone, and a tissue box are on the table.

Larissa Smith, HR Associate Director at CapGen, said: “It is incredibly rewarding to see students build confidence throughout the week and gain a genuine insight into the wide range of careers available within our industry. Creating opportunities like this is an important part of helping young people explore their potential and future aspirations.”

Clare Flanagan, Partner and Head of Client Development at CapGen, added: “We have been delighted with this year’s work experience programme – our team gets as much out of it as the students do. The trip to the Bank of England was a highlight and work shadowing has given the students an insight into all areas of investment management. It has helped us to partner with the Leathersellers to ensure we are providing opportunities to students from a variety of backgrounds.”

Matthew Lawrence, Chief Executive of the Leathersellers said: “Social mobility is more likely to happen and at its most effective when there are active partnerships and open networks. Through our role as a funder with a legacy of supporting education and fostering opportunity since the 17th century, we have a wider social responsibility to make these kinds of connections, joining together advisors, partners, and grant programmes for the benefit of young people.”