STUDENTS in Bradford are being equipped with the key skills to thrive in the workplace through a pioneering programme with Yorkshire Building Society.

The Unwritten Rules programme run by the Baroness Warsi Foundation and Sarah Khan-Bashir, founder of Shire Solicitors saw the Society take part in a two-day workshop with pupils aged 16-18-years-old from five schools in the Dixons Academies Trust.

Baroness Warsi, chair of trustees at the Baroness Warsi Foundation, said: “We’d like to thank all of the staff and volunteers at Yorkshire Building Society for supporting our two day employability programme, The Unwritten Rules.

“We know that creating positive connections between students and employers early on is important for building confidence and motivation in young people and it’s a joint effort.

“That’s why we’re connecting local schools with local businesses to equip young people aged 16-18-year-olds, with the key practical, emotional and social skills they need to enter the workplace.”

On the first day of the programme Yorkshire Building Society colleagues spoke to pupils about what they look for during the recruitment process and what they needed to stand out from the crowd.

Nicola Hosty, diversity manager at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “The Unwritten Rules programme is a fantastic opportunity for employers, school and students to build relationships and provide clarity about what we want from each other, gives each party a voice and removes any pre-conceptions that we have about one another.

“We hope this event provides a sustainable relationship between the schools and the employers going forward.”

The second day took place at Yorkshire Drive, the Society’s Bradford headquarters, where students took part in assessment exercises, workshops and mock interviews.

Hamzah Khan, Head of Year 11 and Teacher of Computing at Dixons Academies Trust, said: “The workshops to develop students’ CV writing and interview skills have been extremely well thought out and engagingly delivered. Our students have had the opportunity to receive expert advice and support from recruiters at Yorkshire Building Society and their feedback has been overwhelming. All of our students have said that the process has helped to improve their communication skills, helped improve their confidence in preparing for interviews and inspired them to apply for roles they may not have considered previously.

“As the job market gets increasingly competitive, programmes like this one are essential in preparing students to be able to be able to make the most of their academic success by being prepared for the world of work. We are extremely grateful to the Baroness Warsi Foundation, Yorkshire Building Society and Shire Solicitors for the opportunity provided to our students.”

The Unwritten Rules programme was developed in partnership with Sarah Khan-Bashir.

She said: “The programme was developed to provide students the best possible chance of gaining employment or work experience with local employers. The workshop seeks to empower students with networking skills, creating the best CV and sharpening up their interview techniques.

“As our Business and Finance Workshop partner, Yorkshire Building Society has helped students to immediately put these skills into practice. Our feedback demonstrates the need for this kind of programme, not only in relation to the positive experience for students, but also to connect local businesses with the leaders and managers of tomorrow.”