Finley Structures newsletter 9 - winter 2014 | Page 5

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News

Finley Apprenticeship display wins award at Woodham Academy
inley Structures were winners in Woodham Academy ' s third annual

FApprenticeship Awareness Programme 2014 . Our team ' s display was named the best presentation at this year ' s final event , with Ebac winning the overall award . Six high-profile businesses spent nine weeks taking part in the successful scheme , which is part-funded by the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership ( GAMP ) and brings education and business together . Us along with Shepherd Construction , Ebac , Gestamp Tallent , livin and Thorn Lighting took part in this year ' s competition .

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e were delighted to have raised a brilliant £ 1,118.77 for the BBC Children In Need Appeal 2014 . Our fundraising activities included a raffle , with generous gifts donated by Newton Press , The County , Redworth Hall Hotel , Woodham Golf Course , Beanies , Lox of Love , The Bay Horse Heighington , Siesta Blinds , Gregg Little Testing and Glen Office Supplies Darlington . The Bay Horse at Heighington also did a bucket collection as part of our fundraising and all together we raised £ 818.77 , with Finley Structures adding £ 300 to the pot .
More than 100 year 9 students took part in a carousel of workshops , dubbed “ speed networking ”, when the companies involved gave the youngsters a short insight into what they do . The tutor groups were then allocated one firm which they will visit and get to know more about them and Apprenticeship opportunities . After visiting the firm , businesses made several return visits to Woodham to help young people put together a presentation , which were delivered during a special evening at the school , when our display came out top . HR manager Pauline Hadwin said : " We ' re delighted to have won best display . " The Apprenticeship Awareness Programme is very important to us . It helps us to engage with local youngsters and give them an insight into our world and industry . " It ' s also good to give something back to the local community and working with Woodham Academy is always a pleasure ." Woodham head teacher Christine Forsyth said : “ It ’ s great that children have had the opportunity to go and see businesses first hand and find out what opportunities are out there . “ It ’ s also been a real pleasure to have local firms working with our young people . I think they ’ ve learned a lot about what schools do .”

Finley ' s raise £ 1,118 for BBC Children In Need Appeal

We wish to thank all companies who made this worthy fundraising possible and , of course , our staff , friends and family for their generosity in order for this wonderful amount of money to be raised for such a great cause . Pudsey sent a message saying : " Your donation will make a real difference to the lives of the most disadvantaged children and young people in the UK . " From money generously donated by the public , BBC Children in Need is able to make grants to voluntary groups , community projects and registered charities who offer practical lasting support to children and young people to help them to have a childhood that is safe , happy and secure and always allows them the chance to reach their potential .
Issue 9 , Winter 2014