YLF collaborate with BNP Paribas

YLF support 10 young people to travel to BNP Paribas for a mentoring session!

In late 2018, BNP Paribas contacted YLF, interested in mentoring young people making the sometimes difficult transition to higher education, and then on to the workplace.

Following a series of planning meetings, a format was agreed providing the young people involved with mentoring sessions focused on writing personal statements, CV writing, and interview skills, leading to a BNP Paribas Diploma.

St.Johns School were quick to see the additional benefits of partnering with us for the project – many young people do not see a business career in the City of London being within their reach. It was this key issue that lies at the heart of the project – that with hard work and a focused approach, the team at BNP want to show that anything is possible, using their own personal experiences as a benchmark.

On 15th February, ten young people from the school visited BNP Paribas, for an initial “getting to know you session”. The feedback was very positive from both mentors and mentees alike – on a beautiful sunny day, the views from the impressive building were stunning, the whole of London’s landmarks bathed in gorgeous sunlight.  The meetings went well, rapport being quickly built between the BNP Paribas employees and the young people.

As a HeadStart school, St Johns were asked to nominate young people with all the attributes to do well in such a business environment, but who for a variety of reasons, would benefit from the support of a mentor right now. All of the young people impressed the mentoring team, and we cannot wait for the next session in March and continuing to build strong relationships.

A huge thank you to BNP Paribas for giving our young people this opportunity!