Nicky Morgan has paid tribute to Bridge to Work at Loughborough College at a major event announcing the expansion of the award-winning initiative.
The Loughborough MP and former Education Secretary joined representatives from businesses, organisations and education in the region to hear how the scheme linking employers, schools and the community is set to build on the support and training it provides for young people across the area.
Bridge to Work, led by Loughborough College, not only won a prestigious national award marking its achievement in providing a work-ready ‘talent pipeline’ for a huge and growing number of employers in the East Midlands but, following a rigorous selection process, it has also received a £100,000 grant form the Careers and Enterprise Company for demonstrating “a track record of success” and for having “the ability to scale up and do more”.
Nicky Morgan has backed Bridge to Work since it began in 2012 and, speaking at the Burleigh Court Hotel launch event, she praised the scheme for inspiring the Careers and Enterprise Company’s national network, which set out in autumn last year to prepare nearly quarter of a million 11-18 year olds across England for the world of work.
“I am lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Bridge to Work and Loughborough should feel proud of the inspiration and direction it offers our young people. I hope it continues to blaze a trail in 2016 and beyond.
“The scheme offers a model of impartial advice and support which is being replicated nationally through the Careers and Enterprise Company and I would urge anyone working in business, education and the community who hasn’t got involved with Bridge to Work so far to do so.
“You will make a difference, I guarantee that.”
Gurkirat Sandhu , 21, described how Bridge to Work helped him secure a position with Caterpillar, where he is now in his third year of an apprenticeship.
“They showed me how to put together my CV, they developed my employability skills and worked with me on interview technique. Now I am at Caterpillar and my goal is to become a manager there within five years.
“At school I was told. You’re not going to get anywhere. Then after joining Loughborough College they introduced me to Bridge to Work… I’ve since been back to my old school three times to talk to the pupils there and I was invited to visit 10 Downing Street with the Bridge to Work team.”
Nicole Sutton, 17, also appeared at the launch, highlighting her work with MacDonald’s in Loughborough through Bridge to Work’s Supported Internships. Nicole will work at the restaurant for a year alongside studying Maths and English and employability skills at Loughborough College. Andy Rhodes, Director of Rhodes Ebbs Restaurants – who run the MacDonalds franchise in the town - praised Nicole’s progress and revealed he is soon to take on a second supported intern at the restaurant through the scheme.
Bridge to Work Lead Job Coaches Emma Pattison and Amanda Hearne talked about the range of opportunities available both to support and to get involved with the scheme.
“Bridge to Work is set to benefit 7000 young people from all over North West Leicestershire who need help into employment over the next 18 months,” said Emma Pattison.
“It is designed to help young people improve skills for the workplace, confidence in the job market and promote and find opportunities for work experience, apprenticeships and careers.
“Working with 13-18 year olds, their parents, carers and teachers together with local schools, colleges, Job Centres, employers and alternative providers, we are identifying young people in need and delivering targeted support - through flexible courses, work experience, interview training, employability and job coaching.
“When a young person is told there are jobs out there and what they need to do to be successful, it can be really inspiring for them. For the employers, joining us to help create their own ‘talent pipeline’ can only benefit their company and their industry.”
Bridge to Work already works with more than 30 employers and organisations, including M&S, Caterpillar, 3M, DHL, the NHS, Boal, The National Space Centre, Barratt Homes, NHS, RBS, Big Life, Derry Building Services, Premier Sport, Dalycom, Fox Medics, Imago, Lime Tree Day Nurseries, the Chamber of Commerce, Charnwood Arts and Twenty Twenty.
Amongst a range of innovations is a regular digital portal ‘Remote Conferencing’ service connecting students in the region and a host of employers from a diversity of sectors.
To find out more about Bridge to Work and forthcoming events contact Emma Pattison and Amanda Hearne on 01509 618397 or visit bridge2work@loucoll.ac.uk
To view the Bridge to Work event gallery go to: https://goo.gl/photos/8cSdd881jwDCkY3e8
Pictured at the Bridge to Work event: (left to right) Emma Pattison, Kirat Sandhu, Nicky Morgan, Nicole Sutton and Amanda Hearne