Disadvantaged Hackney teens get leg-up into world of business thanks to ‘leadership’ charity

Five Hackney teenagers are preparing for careers in finance after completing apprenticeships run by a social mobility charity.

The scheme, run by Leadership Through Sport and Business (LTSB), recognised the achievements of Zafar Alibhai, 19, Ismail Mohammad, 19, Zoynal Uddin, 17, Priya Gozra, 17, and Chanda Kaur, 17, at an awards ceremony in Moorgate last week.

Aiming to connect young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with top UK businesses, the initiative includes studying for an accountancy qualification whilst undertaking work experience at a range of financial companies.

“They are the new talent that employers might otherwise have missed out on because they are from diverse backgrounds and can lack social capital and contacts,” said David Pinchin, chairman of LTSB.

“Schools don’t always prepare them for the world of work and without LTSB they almost certainly would not have had this opportunity.”

The programme lasts 16 months, and includes a year’s work experience at a top City employer. Applications are open to all, with LTSB “looking for young people with character, leadership potential and that special spark”.

All five Hackney teens now continuing their studies with companies in the industry, which range from Barclays to Crowe Clark Whitehill.