Kilburn secondary school join hundreds in speed networking event

London business volunteers and local schoolchildren discuss careers at a mass speed networking event at Lords (Image: Archant)

Pupils from St Augustine Cof E High School in Oxford Road discussed careers advice with business professionals at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in St John’s Wood Road.

More than 600 business leaders from companies including Twitter, British Airways and Christie’s Auction House shared their insight, know-how and top tips with hundreds of young people in speed networking sessions lasting four minutes.

The event was organised by the Mayor’s Team London volunteering initiative, in partnership with Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC) community development team.

It gives local 13 to 15-year-olds the chance to learn from the UK’s top tech experts, creative leaders and entrepreneurs.

Laura Brown, MCC’s community development manager, said: “It was a privilege for MCC to host this event at Lord’s, and it was a great success. We’re delighted to be working closely with Team London on events such as this, which adds to our existing work with a number of local organisations to help provide opportunities for local young people seeking employment and careers advice – some of which will be in the sports industry.

“I would like to thank the huge number of business leaders who volunteered their time, as well as the schools who attended – I’m sure the young people gained a lot of valuable advice from the day.”

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “It is absolutely vital that we give young Londoners the right knowledge and skills to compete in the global marketplace. What better way for schoolchildren to find out about the range of careers on offer in our great city than hearing from the professionals who can bring personal insight as well as expertise?”