WIREDGOV

Eight talented Welsh students have spent the week in London’s Square Mile gaining first hand experience of working life in the City.

The pupils from Newport, Wrexham, Merthyr, Carmarthenshire, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Rhondda Cynon Taf competed with 14 to 18 year olds from across Wales for the once in a lifetime opportunity of a week’s work experience in London.  

The eight have spent the week designing their own Dragon’s Den style pitch for a new business, charity, app, political party or newspaper.

On top of this they have enjoyed guided tours of high profile premises including  Eversheds, the House of Lords and City Hall and have been treated to board and lodge at the London Imperial College.

Recently (Friday) they were returned to Cardiff and used their new skills as they pitched their ideas to a panel of guest dragons from the business world.

The week’s work experience was part of the Welsh Government’s Pupil Offer and was organised by London based Legal consultancy Judicium.

Dr Alex Mehta from Judicium said:

“We have been incredibly impressed by the students. Within 3 hours of arriving they had already decided upon their Dragons Den pitches.

“One team has chosen to scope a sports watch, but one linked to a ball, and with sensor to help measure passing times, possession times and kicking speeds etc. I'm not aware of anything comparable in the marketplace.

“Another team is scoping a Youth App to help users find local volunteering opportunities and youth discounts.

“What has struck me is the energy, entrepreneurship and passion of the students. In contrast to some of the television shows, there is no politics or manoeuvring. Rather, they all roll their sleeves up, pitch in and crack on.

“These students have been called the superstars of tomorrow, and I can really see that. These names are definitely ones to watch over the years to come.”

Education Minister, Huw Lewis said:

“I am very proud of our Pupil Offer which is continuing to  deliver once in a lifetime opportunities for Welsh learners from less advantaged communities.

“The pupils taking part in this week are obviously grasping the opportunity with both hands. They should be very proud of their achievement,  particularly as they have beaten off some seriously stiff competition from fellow students to get to this stage and have clearly already won the respect of legal firm, Judicium .

“ I am sure the experience will have a real and lasting  impact on the 8 pupils.  I hope it  will open their eyes to new and exciting career opportunities and inspire each and every one to set their aspirations high.”