Go North East awarded for putting disadvantaged young people on the road to success

A group of 15 young people have been inspired into higher education and employment thanks to support from Go North East – and have presented the team with a handcrafted award.

Go North East received the Nacro Ambassador Hub trophy on Friday, for going the extra mile to help excel disadvantaged young people’s education through events at its Gateshead Riverside depot.

The ‘inspire’ sessions offered 15 to 18 year olds, who live in some of the most deprived areas of the North East, the opportunity to get hands on experience with the region’s largest bus operator, which values employees with skills based education.

Social justice charity, Nacro, provides 16 to 19 study programmes, apprenticeships, and adult learning programmes for students across the country, many of whom have low prior educational attainment, special educational needs, are from low-income households, or are care leavers. Students are supported to develop their academic and vocational learning, through practical activities including motor vehicle repairs, construction workshops and animal care.

The award was presented to Go North East’s recruitment and training team by Chris Stevenson, Nacro Ambassador project leader, and participants of the project. Hand-crafted by the young learners, the award symbolises the Nacro’s commitment to supporting local communities, featuring a piston, the driving force of an engine, and a synchro hub, which engages all the gears to move forward together.

To date 15 youngsters from the region have taken part in the Go North East visits and have all progressed to higher education or employment.

Chris Stevenson said: “Our young learners come from some of the most deprived areas in the North East. These sessions offer them an insight into the future beyond their current environment.”

Keith Robertson, Go North East’s recruitment and training manager, added: “We’re proud to be a partner of this valuable scheme, and thrilled to receive an award. Being part of initiatives like this is extremely important to Go North East because it gives us the chance to inspire young people and show that there are opportunities for them within our industry, and that there are many paths to a successful career.”

Go North East joins the likes of Northumbria University, ESH Group and James Ramsbotham, Lookers Plc, Nick Swales as holders of the Nacro Ambassador Hub Award.

For more information about Go North East, visit www.gonortheast.co.uk.