Member Article

Students learn about employee ownership at WDW

Hundreds of young people have found out at first hand about the benefits of being part of an employee owned business as part of a unique event being held in Sunderland this week.

Work Discovery Week – Sunderland 2013 runs from July 1 – 5 and will see more than 1500 young people engaging with around 40 businesses from across the region at a careers fair, in workshops and on visits to companies and industry.

At the launch event at the Stadium of Light on Monday students were able to find out more about being involved in an organisation which is employee owned, ahead of National Employment Ownership Day on July 4.

Sunderland Home Care – which is involved with WDW – is held up nationally as a blueprint for a successful company which is owned by its employees who all have shares and a say in the decision making.

And on NEO Day young people from the city will visit the Sunderland base to find out more about the company as part of the Work Discovery Week programme of eents.

Employee Ownership Association CEO Iain Hasdell said: “Companies such as Sunderland Home Care are great examples of the success and engagement that can be achieved in an employee owned environment.

“I am delighted to work on their behalf to celebrate Employee Ownership Day, and make it easier for other UK companies to follow their lead into employee ownership.

“Work Discovery Week- Sunderland 2013 has also been the perfect opportunity for the workforce of the future to find out about employee ownership and the many benefits.”

Finding out more about being part of an employee owned business is just one of a whole range of activities on offer to the young people who are getting a real taste of work through Work Discovery Week.

The week is an initiative from Sunderland’s Economic Masterplan – Business:Schools Task Group who recognised the need to forge stronger links between companies across the region and school pupils in Sunderland.

North East Chamber of Commerce, Sunderland City Council and SAFC are the main partners for the event, with sponsorship from leading companies and organsations including Gentoo, Grundfos, Sunderland University, Sunderland College, Nissan, The National Apprentice Service and Arriva.

Gary Hutchinson, commercial director of SAFC and co-chair of the task group, said: “Work Discovery Week has just got underway and is already proving to be a huge success, with more than 20 schools and 40 businesses taking part.

“The fact that we also coincide with a national day which puts the focus on future employment prospects adds even more weight.”

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council added “ Work Discovery Week is turning the spotlight on the many opportunities that young people in Sunderland have on their doorsteps.

“Being able to link in with Employee Ownership Day gives them another option when making their career choices.”

Activities are continuing throughout this week and will conclude at the Stadium of Light on Friday July 5 with presentations by the schools, in response to a problem solving challenge, to an audience of business representatives.

Businesses and schools are also being asked to follow the event on twitter @WDWSunderland.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sorted PR .