BUSINESS AMBASSADORS IN SPOTLIGHT FOR INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE
INSPIRATIONAL County Durham employee volunteers have received official recognition for their efforts to enthuse young people about the wealth of opportunities awaiting them in the world of work.
Durham Education Business Partnership, as part of the North East region of EBP’s hosted ‘A Celebration of the Business Ambassador Programme’ at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts in Gateshead in recognition of the success of the Regional Business Ambassador programme. The programme has been supported by One North East with funding of £1.4m since 2002.
The event was held to recognise individuals and businesses for giving their time to help inspire young people’s work-related learning in schools across the North East, helping raise their aspirations and attainment levels.
Business Ambassador Margaret Brown, of Victim Support was given a special award by Durham EBP for supporting over 150 Business Ambassador activities since 2002, over and above what is expected of any volunteer. Margaret has been described as epitomising the Education Business Partnership ethos and wholeheartedly encourages students to develop those skills that are needed in today’s business environment.
Other Business Ambassadors who received awards from the other seven regional EBP’s were Julie Hewitson of Morrison Facility Services (Gateshead EBP), Steve Boon of Newcastle City Council (Newcastle EBP), Tony Kirsop of Northumberland County Council – Social Enterprise (Northumberland EBP), Susie Hodgson of Procter & Gamble (North Tyneside EBP), Norman Kaier of South Tyneside Homes (South Tyneside EBP), Kevin Burdis of Gentoo (Sunderland EBP) and Wendy Brown of HM Court Service (Tees Valley EBP).
There are currently 650 North East business ambassadors, (BAs) or employee volunteers, with the programme having trained over 1,200 BAs and reached 85,000 young people across the region.
Margaret Fay, Chairman of One North East, who presented the awards, said: ‘The aim of the programme is to raise awareness of career opportunities available to young people and to help them prepare for the world of work. The Business Ambassadors’ volunteer work is invaluable as they offer their expertise and time to help people carve a successful future for themselves’.
Jane Ritchie, Business Ambassadors Programme Manager, presented the history of the BA Programme and was herself presented with an award for her contribution to the programme over the last 15 years.
Anne Gibbs, Manager of Durham EBP, added: ‘The awards are a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the fantastic success of the programme and thank the business ambassadors and guests for their outstanding contributions. Many young people have benefited from working with the ambassadors and have been inspired by the programme’.
Aspiring Business Ambassadors and employers who wish to get involved with the programme should contact Durham EBP, on Tel: 01325 375900 or visit their website at www.durhamebp.org.uk.