“From day one Aklasur was a popular member of the Personnel team. Aklasur was given exposure to all aspects of our Personnel function and in time he developed his own job role, gaining in-depth experience of both local recruitment and local college/university liaison. The entire team has benefited from having a local and enthusiastic graduate as their immediate colleague and we have all enjoyed seeing Aklasur laying the foundations for a successful career. As a company, we have benefited from Aklasur's ideas and he has strengthened our links with various areas of the local community. In addition, Aklasur has become a role model for other local students who wish to pursue careers in the City and Canary Wharf.”

“So why ELBA? It was the vision of being ambassadors for your community, being role models, the message that my knowledge was unique local knowledge that would help bridge gaps between the community and organisations. The comprehensive range of training provided such as the National Theatre training, Pitman’s Business English and Project Management training has helped me develop key skills and confidence to be where I am now. Even the finer aspects of office etiquettes; being on time and dressed smartly has given me the capabilities to succeed in any organisation. It is a group of people, well networked and well-resourced who are dedicated and passionate to help get local people their first steps into the world of work. It was the best decision I made after I graduated.”

“ELBA's graduate programme addresses local unemployed graduates in a unique and insightful way. It delivers to both parties, to the graduates who are presented with an opportunity to develop their skills and for the corporates who benefit greatly from their local knowledge and understanding. The passion, time and energy spent by ELBA on each of the graduates, ensures that they all realise their potential and get the most from their time with the companies, the time can fly by but the high level of detail provided ensures the graduates are supported throughout their journey at every stage.”

“Being the first EaGLE from the Islington borough has been life changing; every aspect of being an EaGLE has been amazing! From the project management training at Ashridge, to presentation training delivered by Jason Pitt and right the way through to my first day at City of London Corporation – it has made me ‘job ready’ and has unlocked this new found confidence in my ever developing skills and experiences. Not only has it benefited me, but now I can lend a hand to others around me in the community – and make a real difference, especially to young people. I think the whole of the UK should know about the ELBA EaGLES programme!”

“Citi is proud to partner with the East London Business Alliance on the EaGLES programme, and have had an excellent experience working with talented young people from east London. Citi has benefited greatly from participating in the programme by both supporting the community in which we live and work, and also finding and supporting great local talent. We’re pleased to help ELBA as they grow the careers of these young people, and are proud to be part of this programme that provides on-going support to participants as they take the next steps in their careers.”