Sandwell’s ‘Adopt a School’ initiative matches businesses with local schools to make early connections and help pupils transition into employment.
The UK Commission for Employment and Skills recognises that “businesses working in partnership with schools create more work experience opportunities, working alongside practical curriculum materials, STEM projects and inspirational career talks. This brings about enrichment programmes and understanding of the real world of work”.
This works well with Sandwell Council’s strong social value agenda – which encourages businesses to give back to the communities in which they deliver contracts.
In Sandwell, we encourage key contractors to pair with schools in their area of works. This creates a relationship for the life of the contract, and sometimes beyond. The activities offered can include mock interviews, taster sessions and work experience.
MCP and Holly Lodge High School
MCP is a privately-owned housing maintenance SME. Sandwell’s Social Value Team paired MCP with Holly Lodge High School in Smethwick where the company sponsored an award for ‘Vision and Ethos of Community, Opportunity, Ambition’. Tanya Sharma picked up the prize; she is pictured here with senior assistant head teacher Kelly Dunn.
MCP will continue to sponsor the award, including a £50 voucher for the winner, for the duration of the contract. The company also took part in a ‘What’s Your Story?’ video initiative. This helped pupils look at potential career paths. MCP staff will also attend careers days, giving talks and mock interviews.
MCP and Annie Lennard Primary School
The business also led an initiative at Annie Lennard Primary School in Smethwick. It launched a competition to design a ‘welcome to your new home’ card. Prizes will be awarded in November 2024.
Rosie Hughes, MCP’s business development manager, said: “We were keen to establish connections within the local community to ensure our social value was targeted to provide the best possible impact. The social value team at Sandwell Council was instrumental in introducing us to community organisations and local schools. We highly recommend the ‘Adopt A School’ initiative to other suppliers looking to make a positive impact on the local community.”
Can your business help local school children develop their skills and knowledge?
Rosie Hughes, MCP’s business development manager, said: “We were keen to establish connections within the local community to ensure our social value was targeted to provide the best possible impact. The social value team at Sandwell Council was instrumental in introducing us to community organisations and local schools. We highly recommend the ‘Adopt A School’ initiative to other suppliers looking to make a positive impact on the local community.”
Our Sandwell Business Growth Team can help find the perfect match for your company.
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