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Newcastle and Gateshead students score success with new programme

Pupils from four local schools in Newcastle and Gateshead have completed a community enterprise programme created by Newcastle United Foundation and Robertson – one of the largest independently owned construction, infrastructure and support services companies in the UK.

Students from Walker Riverside Academy, Benfield School, Kingsmeadow Community Comprehensive School and Joseph Swan Academy participated in a bespoke programme that help them develop their personal and social skills through live projects.

The children took part in cooking activities that ranged from visiting Food Nation to find out what it was like to work in a commercial kitchen to cooking for a group of senior citizens from a local care home.

Over 60 students completed the programme accredited by the Award Scheme Development & Accreditation Network (ASDAN) as a result of their work.

To complete the programme, students from the four schools were also involved in a range of workshops designed to give them an insight into the range of exciting career opportunities available in facilities management, including caretaking, security and cleaning.

The completion of the programme was marked with a celebration at St. James’ Park, where each pupil that participated collected their award.

Speaking at the celebration, Andrew Foster, Learning and Skills Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “It’s been a fantastic experience for the pupils taking part in the programme. We’ve seen some amazing menus and the skills and insights they’ve gained around hospitality and employability in general will be invaluable once our participants move on from education and into employment.

“I want to thank Robertson Facilities Management for all the support and advice they gave our participants throughout the programme. It was great to see it all come together and celebrate the hard work and achievements of the students.

Melanie Vasey, Operations Manager at Robertson Facilities Management, said: “We are delighted to have formed this partnership with Newcastle United Foundation, which benefited children in the local community.

“The bespoke programme has seen the students strengthen their personal skills, whilst learning valuable life skills that will benefit them in the future with the award of a recognised certificate.”

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