Schoolgirls turn businesswomen on work experience at Canary Wharf

Two teenagers enjoyed a taste of high-powered life in the City when they took up work experience placements in Canary Wharf.

Central Foundation Girls’ School pupils Shabnam Akhter and Nusrat Chowdhury worked at Canary Wharf Group (CWG), a property development company, for a two week placement that finished on March 28.

The pair were among 230 year 10 students from the school in Harley Grove, Bow, who entered the world of work for placements organised at businesses across the borough by a charity, the Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership.

While Shabnam helped CWG with various administrative tasks, Nusrat helped staff by entering data into their computer systems.

The CWG’s training co-ordinator, Hafsa Tasmin, supervised the girls’ placements and said her company was keen to “bridge the gap” between Canary Wharf and the borough’s surrounding areas.

“One of the ways we aim to achieve this is through work placements providing students with the opportunities they need to up-skill themselves,” she added. “With the current climate we know that it is even more vital that the younger generation are provided with all the opportunities available.”