A WORCESTERSHIRE law firm have signed up to a government-backed careers advice scheme helping pupils at a special school in the county.

Lawyers at Thursfields Solicitors, which has its head office in Worcester, have signed up to the careers advice initiative to support pupils at Chadsgrove School in Catshill, as part of the nationwide careers strategy.

Jessica Wheway, a solicitor in Thursfields’ residential property team, and Hollie Styles, in the company's family team, have become the school's official enterprise advisers at Chadsgrove School.

The project, organised by the Careers and Enterprise Company, is aimed at preparing and inspiring young people for career opportunities and connections in the modern-day workplace.

Ms Wheway identified the opportunity through contacts at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, which is being delivered in partnership by Worcestershire LEP and Worcestershire County Council.

Ms Wheway: “Our new role will see us giving up around eight hours a month to support our assigned school with the facilitation of careers related activity and help the school to establish business links and opportunities with local companies and workplaces.

“We’re really looking forward to helping schoolchildren to become aware of all the different careers they could consider. It’s going to be a pleasure working with the teachers and using our experience and connections to help pupils get a first foot on the career ladder – whether that be through work experience or by helping them to see what’s out there.”

Chadsgrove School and Specialist Sports College caters for pupils aged from two to 19 years of age who have special educational needs, physical disabilities or complex health needs.

Liz Morgan, assistant headteacher at Chadsgrove School, added: “We’re delighted to have Jessica and Hollie and are really grateful to them for giving up their time to help us."