We have just reached the end of the third work experience placement we've run for City Gateway students, and it's been a very positive experience for us.  There have been three placements so far, in our Post Room, Print Room and IT department.  Everyone in these departments that worked with the City Gateway students found them to be helpful, responsive and eager to learn.  The placements are a key part of the charity's LSC Apprenticeship scheme, providing real work experience alongside accredited training, and have a visible impact on the young people involved.

Denton Wilde Sapte is an international law firm, but because our headquarters is in the City we have made the communities of East London on our doorstep the focus for our Corporate Social Responsibility projects.  In addition to our partnership with City Gateway we run a free legal advice clinic in Poplar and our staff volunteer at the Whitechapel Mission for the homeless.  But City Gateway is special, in that it allows us to provide professional experience and careers advice to young people in the community.  It allows the students to come into the office and really see what we do and, importantly, to forge relationships between our staff and the students which are mutually beneficial.

We were delighted to be closely involved in two City Gateway events recently, which showcased how successfully the charity has developed its capabilities and how much the students get out of the courses and services.  The first was the 10th anniversary celebration in March, at which we heard an impressive selection of students speaking about their experiences with City Gateway.  The second was a graduation ceremony and lunch that we hosted at our own offices, for students completing the Export course in February. This was the first one that a graduation ceremony had been held off-site, and it was a really special occasion involving an "Oscar style" award being presented to each of the students by our Chief Executive.  I am sure that it was a great boost to their confidence with their achievements being recognised in this way.

Denton Wilde Sapte is very proud of our relationship with City Gateway and we hope to continue developing it in the years ahead.

James Linforth, partner, Denton Wilde Sapte LLP