CDS Print Volunteering Update with Ahead Partnership

At CDS Print Services, we believe in the power of giving back—and the importance of preparing young people for the future. That’s why we actively encourage our team to take part in volunteering opportunities that support education, wellbeing, and career development.

Supporting Year 11 Students Through Ahead Partnership

Last month, CDS team member Brian Davis participated in two impactful events organized by Ahead Partnership, aimed at helping Year 11 students navigate key decisions about their future. These sessions provided real-world insights into career paths, interview skills, and the value of self-belief.

Interview Practice at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College

On Tuesday 7th October, Brian joined 15 professionals from various industries for an Interview Practice session at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College. With applications for college, apprenticeships, and first jobs approaching, students had the chance to experience mock interviews and receive valuable feedback.

Student feedback included:

• “I was told to believe in myself more, which boosted my confidence.”
• “It gave me a sense of how a real interview would feel.”
• “Helped with communication skills and connecting with strangers.”

Speed Networking at Lightcliffe Academy

On Wednesday 8th October, the format flipped at Lightcliffe Academy. In a Speed Networking session, over 200 students interviewed the professionals—asking direct questions about career journeys, qualifications, and industry insights.

Key takeaways from students:

• “There are digital jobs in places you wouldn’t expect.”
• “What qualifications are needed for jobs.”
• “Good Maths and English GCSEs are needed for a lot of jobs.”

Why Volunteering Matters at CDS Print Services

We’re proud to support our colleagues who volunteer their time to inspire and educate the next generation. These experiences not only benefit students—they also enrich our team, strengthen community ties, and reflect our core values of sustainability, wellbeing, and social impact.

Brian shared his own career journey during the sessions, highlighting how embracing challenges and trusting his abilities shaped his path. His reflections resonated with students facing exam pressures and big decisions.

Brian commented “For me it is really important to provide some real-world career experience to students as they are about to embark in the first steps towards their futures. For Year 11 students, for the first time they have the ability to choose what they do going forward and I can imagine it is quite daunting. So I hope that providing a constructive feedback, interview practice or even just a friendly ear, can really help”.

Thank You to Our Partners

We extend our thanks to Nina Carter-Brown and Ahead Partnership for facilitating these events, and to our team at CDS Print Services for continuing to make time for causes that matter.

Interested in partnering with CDS Print Services or learning more about our community initiatives? Contact us today to find out more on how we’re making a difference.