Bringing Aycliffe Business Park Together | 21
Gregg Little Testing Centre’s
workshop manager Norman
Travis with young recruits Ben
Clemmett (centre) and Paul
Bradshaw (right).
THE LITTLE
TEAM WITH A
BIG HEART
Woodham Academy student Paul Bradshaw,
15, is learning the ropes at Gregg Little one
day a week as part of his school’s Work Skills
Programme, which sees youngsters getting
hands-on experience.
The family-run firm has also enlisted local
17-year-old Ben Clemmett on a diploma course
through Darlington College, and are now looking
to put him through an Apprenticeship.
Far from just ticking an education box for Gregg
Little, it’s a commitment which shows a real
desire to engage with education and encourage
local young people into the world of work.
Business development manager Emma Little
said: “Ben came to us from DISC, a local
charity, looking for work experience and initially
he came one day a week.
“He was quite shy and just needed a bit of
confidence, and it’s been lovely to see him
blossom in a working environment.
“He’s gone from work experience and a huge
success with DISC to doing a diploma through
Darlington Borough Council, and now we’re
looking to take him on as an Apprentice, so it’s a
really positive success story.
“Now Ben is much more confident. He loves
working with cars and bikes and I really gets
stuck in.
“He’s learning a lot at college and he brings that
into the workplace. The lads try to involve what
he’s learning at college into his work here so he
can put it into practice.
”
Two aspiring car mechanics are getting an early foot
on the career ladder thanks to Newton Aycliffe car
specialists Gregg Little Testing Centre.
Gregg Little has proved the firm can provide a
genuine opportunity for local people who have
the right attitude to enjoy a job for life.
“It has to work for both parties, of course, but
it certainly isn’t a burden. Both Ben and Paul are
valuable parts of the team now.
”
Brothers Norman Travis and Les Douthwaite,
who both started at 16, now manage the garage
and are encouraging their young recruits to
learn.
Woodham’s Ms McGinnety added: “The
programme has had a significant impact on
Paul’s academic attainment, enabling him to
see how the core subjects are used in the
work place and make links between employer
expectations and those of the school.
Woodham Academy student Paul is now
reaping the rewards of their experience by
getting real-life work experience.
The Work Skills Programme, piloted this year,
was set up to support Woodham’s young
people in moving successfully into post-16
into Education, Employment or Training, and is
funded by the Improving Progression of Young
People team.
Gregg Little’s partnership with Woodham
came about through the Aycliffe Business Park
meetings.
Emma explains: “I spoke with Dave Spensley,
from Aycliffe Fabrications, and I could see how
passionate he is about engaging with education.
He set us up with Woodham and we spoke to
the careers teacher, Sarah McGinnety.
“We interviewed Paul and visited him in school
a couple of times and it’s gone from there, and
it’s been really nice to put something back into
the community.
“Paul’s a really hard worker, he loves coming
here and I’m told his school grades have
improved since he joined us and he’s with us
for another 18 months so he can only get even
better.
“Paul clearly enjoys his placement and regularly
brings back positive reports. His self-confidence
has gone through the roof as his mentor has
allows him to take responsibility for aspects
of his training.
“I am thrilled that the project is having
such a positive influence on those students
participating this year.
”
Paul is clearly enjoying his weekly placement.
He said: “I picked working in a garage because
I like working with cars, and I’m really enjoying
it. They’re all nice people and make me feel part
of the team.
”
Ben, meanwhile, has already planned his future
career. “I want to become an MOT tester
eventually, he grinned.
”
“I’m really enjoying it. I’m learning to much at
college and then b ɥ