ESG Report 2022 single pages web - Flipbook - Page 51
URBAN SYNERGY
At RWS we understand the importance and benefit of
diversity, equity and inclusion and supporting education
which is why we have been actively supporting and
involved with Urban Synergy over the last year, taking
meaningful action that generates long-term impact.
Urban Synergy is a youth empowerment charity which
inspires, guides and ignites the ambitions of young people
in the UK. It has supported more than 20,000 students
since 2007.
Urban Synergy connects underrepresented communities
to mentors and corporate partners such as RWS,
implementing effective programmes, training and
recruitment opportunities that directly address systemic
barriers to success in the workplace.
Urban Synergy provides young people with the skills,
knowledge and opportunities they need to be successful
in their transition from education to the workplace and
continue to deliver our comprehensive outcome focused
mentoring programmes, which have all been modified and
refined to work online in safe and meaningful ways.
Its programmes are only possible with the huge network
of support we have built up, with each of our mentors, role
models, volunteers and supporters providing essential
time and guidance to the young people we meet.
In 2022 Urban Synergy:
Supported
e-seminars
4,143 young people through career
125 students through our e-mentoring
Delivered 84 work experience placements, with
Mentored
many more planned over the summer
3,259 hours of work experience for
Totalling
young people
Harry one of the mentees, undertook a work experience
placement with RWS through his mentor. Harry said:
"I shadowed a lot of professionals from different
departments. I supported the IT team by setting up new
stations and monitors for people returning to the office
after lockdown. I also helped resolve tickets, such as
websites that were being blocked. One of the highlights
was being able to contribute to team meetings. I got to talk
about the things I was learning; everyone was welcoming
and offered advice on what I could do next.”
Following his work experience Harry said:
"I feel more confident in my communication skills and
my teamwork abilities. Speaking and collaborating with
professionals at RWS who helped me learn something new
every day. It gave me a broader picture of the technology
industry and the vast roles available within a translation
company like RWS. My goal has always been to work in
technology, and this experience has opened my eyes to the
different paths I can take to get there."
Since his placement, Harry has successfully secured an
apprenticeship within the technology industry.
RWS began supporting the work we do at Urban Synergy
in 2020. Subsequently, RWS has directly helped 1,061
students through e-mentoring, career inspiring role
model seminars, and work experience opportunities.
These programmes can be life-changing for young people
as they develop their professional and personal skills.
Here’s what some of the mentors at RWS had to say about
their experience of being an e-mentor:
Andy Jarosz – “Thanks for the opportunity to take part in
the programme - it was a rewarding experience for me,
and I hope a useful one for my mentee.”
Maureen Lalaymia-Phillips – “Well-matched mentee.
The programme is well organised.”
Stuart Sklair – “I could see the commitment and improved
communication from my mentee over the course of the
programme.”
SOCIAL RWS — ESG Report 2022
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