How PKF Francis Clark partnered with Ablaze to create lasting impact.
PKF Francis Clark partnered with a local school through Ablaze’s Career Mentoring programme to give young people valuable insight into the workplace while helping them build confidence, communication skills, and clearer pathways toward future careers.
Why career mentoring matters
For many young people, access to professional role models, workplaces and career insight isn’t a given. Without those experiences, confidence can remain low and aspirations limited, long before young people begin making decisions about their future.
At Ablaze, we work with businesses to change that. Our Career Mentoring programmes and insight days connect young people with real professionals, helping them build confidence, understand career pathways and develop the skills they need for the world of work while enabling businesses to deliver meaningful social value and develop their people.
A powerful example of this is our partnership with PKF Francis Clark.
The partnership
PKF Francis Clark partnered with Ablaze to deliver a six-week Career Mentoring Programme for a group of students at Winterbourne Academy. Students were identified by the school as those who would particularly benefit from additional confidence-building, exposure to professional environments and support exploring future pathways.
With Ablaze providing full programme management, PKF Francis Clark employees were able to focus on sharing their experiences, building relationships and supporting young people to see what’s possible. Sessions were delivered both in school and at PKF Francis Clark’s Bristol office, giving students the opportunity to step into a real workplace and feel that they belong there.
The impact on young people
The impact of the programme was clear and measurable: by the end of the six week programme:
• 100% of students reported increased confidence
• 100% gained a better understanding of career pathways
• 100% learned new workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, resilience, CV writing and goal-setting
Students grew more confident speaking up, contributing to discussions and making decisions. Many students also reported feeling more positive about school and clearer about what they might want to do next, from apprenticeships and college to university and specific career ambitions.
“I like school now”
“A fantastic experience. The programme exceeded our expectations in supporting students’ career learning and development. Engagement was exceptionally high, and students grew in confidence week by week. Hearing directly from professionals in a real workplace setting was incredibly impactful, and the mentors from PKF Francis Clark were professional, kind and approachable role models.”
The benefits for PKF Francis Clark and your business
Career mentoring with Ablaze delivers value well beyond the classroom. PKF Francis Clark volunteers reported increased confidence, stronger communication and presentation skills, and a deep sense of fulfilment from supporting young people. Mentors developed leadership and mentoring skills while gaining fresh perspective and purpose through volunteering.
For the business, the partnership:
• Provided high-quality, skills-based employee volunteering
• Supported employee development and engagement
• Strengthened community and stakeholder relationships
• Raised awareness of careers within the profession
• Delivered measurable social value aligned with ESG priorities
Ablaze produced a detailed impact report for PKF Francis Clark, capturing outcomes for young people alongside the social value and employee development benefits for the business.
Click here to read more about the benefits of corporate volunteering for your business
“It’s been a really great programme — a really rewarding few weeks getting to know the students. Seeing their confidence grow was hugely motivating, and the experience helped us develop our own communication and mentoring skills while making a genuine difference.”
Why Ablaze Career Mentoring works
As a local, not-for-profit organisation, Ablaze specialises in creating safe, structured and impactful partnerships between schools and employers.
We ensure:
• Young people are prepared, supported and safeguarded
• Volunteers feel confident and well-equipped
• Programmes meet both school needs and business objectives
• Impact is measured and evidenced
This allows businesses to get involved in a way that is meaningful, efficient and genuinely impactful.
Get involved
PKF Francis Clark’s partnership with Ablaze shows what’s possible when businesses invest early in young people.
Career mentoring with Ablaze is a powerful place to start if your organisation is looking to:
• Deliver authentic social value
• Support employee development through volunteering
• Strengthen ESG and community impact
• Inspire the next generation of talent
Get in touch to explore how a bespoke career mentoring programme could work for your business.