500 Bradford students take part in society’s work immersion programme to raise career aspirations

More than 500 young people across Bradford have experienced an immersive taste of working life thanks to innovative Work Immersion Days from Yorkshire Building Society.

Work Immersion Days are aimed at pupils in Year 10 and above, and offer a unique, behind-the-scenes look at life inside one of the city’s largest employers. Developed as part of the Society’s commitment to supporting the local community, the programme helps students explore different career paths, build essential employability skills, and gain confidence in their future choices.

The Society works in conjunction with Bradford Council to engage schools and colleges in Bradford, and the programme is designed to provide pupils with a deep, interactive experience.

The Work Immersion Days, held at the Society’s headquarters at Yorkshire Drive, include interactive workshops led by volunteers from across the business, covering topics such as problem solving, customer service, employer expectations, and navigating the job market. Office tours showcase departments like fraud, property, marketing, customer services, and change delivery, with live video links to the retail network. A careers panel also features colleagues from various roles, sharing their career journeys, qualifications, and advice.

Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive with over 95% of participants saying the days helped them understand what skills employers look for and 90% saying they are more confident working with others after participating in the session.

A student reflected: “It opened my eyes to more job opportunities and paths, there are multiple different avenues available for me in the future.”

Susan Allen, chief executive of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our heritage, and, as a mutual, making a positive impact in the communities we serve is central to who we are. That’s why I am delighted that so many young people have learned more about working life through our Work Immersion Days. Bradford is a young city, with under 25s making up more than a third of the population, and we see real value in helping young people prepare for the world of work.

“We’ve worked hard to create something truly meaningful for young people in Bradford. These sessions offer a real-world experience that classrooms simply can’t replicate. Thanks to our partnership with Bradford Council, we’re reaching the right schools and making a genuine impact.”

The Work Immersion Days are one of the ways the Society is helping young people in Bradford boost their employability and raise aspirations during the City of Culture year.