3rd June 2024 Time to celebrate - Volunteers' Week 2024

Grant Speed has been volunteering with The Talent Foundry’s Bridge programmes since 2021. In that time, his advice and coaching has helped students secure apprenticeships with Co-op Legal Services, Barclays, M&G plc, Mace Group and Mediacom.

To celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we asked Grant about his volunteer experience and why it’s important for those working in business to volunteer with young people.

“I was introduced to The Talent Foundry by a candidate who we had worked with previously at Odgers. I liked the prospect of being able to help make a positive impact, so embraced the chance to get involved.”

Volunteering highlight

“One of the standout highlights was being invited to an event at the House of Lords, where I had the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the successful apprentices from the programme.

“It was incredibly rewarding to see the individuals who we had offered advice to thriving within their careers. Witnessing their growth and success was a testament to the value of the support and guidance which The Talent Foundry provides.”

Benefits of volunteering

“Volunteering has been enormously rewarding on a personal level. Not only has it been encouraging to witness the committed and engaged students flourish in their early careers, but the experience has helped to reinforce my belief in the importance of mentorship and support. It has and continues to be a pleasure to contribute to the development of future leaders.”

What are employers looking for in young talent

“In today’s rapidly evolving job market, employers are increasingly seeking leaders who demonstrate empathy, curiosity and diversity of thought. Additionally, we live in a society characterised by continuous technological advancements. Therefore, having a strong understanding of technology and the ability to adapt symbiotically alongside it is a highly valued trait.

“These skills and behaviours are essential for navigating the complexities of modern business environments and for driving innovation.”

Connecting students to employers

“Personally, I wasn’t exposed to any industries either at school or at home, and I believe that having that insight would have been incredibly useful to me in terms of shaping the career choices that I made.

“When young individuals connect with professionals from different industries, they gain valuable insights which can help them discover their passions and make informed decisions about their future careers."

Inspired to volunteer?

“Just go for it. Volunteering with The Talent Foundry is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, whilst also being immeasurably rewarding and a lot of fun.”

Thank you Grant!

Grant Speed is Global Managing Director, Odgers Interim and Odgers Connect at Odgers Berndtson

If Grant’s experience has encouraged you to volunteer, please contact with our team on info@talentfoundry.org.uk