YOU CAN’ T BE WHAT YOU CAN’ T SEE
“ Schools have been struggling to find meaningful work experience opportunities- you can’ t be what you can’ t see- so this really ticks that box.“ It’ s practical, it’ s engaging and it gives students a taste of the real world.” But more than that, the outcomes speak for themselves.
“ As a result of Aspire, we took on a work placement with one individual who is due to start an apprenticeship with us. So that’ s all the proof you need that this works.”
Thomas is clear on what needs to happen next, adding:“ What we need now is funding to take this project forward, because the importance of it can’ t be underestimated.”
Unlocking local talent Proud Newtonian Sarah Monk is equally passionate about the programme, and about the opportunities available within the Aycliffe area – which she believes are too often overlooked by young people and their families.
“ It’ s absolutely unique,” says education specialist Sarah, currently chief strategy officer for The Edwin Group and also an ABPC volunteer.
“ No young person leaving a school in Newton Aycliffe should be leaving without an opportunity to go into training, an apprenticeship or employment, because they’ ve got all this right on their doorstep.
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 21