Stagecoach drives Sunderland students towards future careers
Stagecoach has partnered with the Foundation of Light to help inspire young people through a series of careers and employability events.
On April 30, students from Thornhill Academy, Red House Academy and Sandhill View Academy attended activities at the Beacon of Light, in Monkwearmouth, before visiting the Stagecoach Sunderland depot for a behind-the-scenes tour.
Students were given an insight into the wide range of careers available across the business, including engineering, operations, control room management, commercial, marketing and vehicle paintwork.
Stagecoach also held a second Foundation of Light careers event on May 6 as part of the charity’s Connecting Futures initiative, transporting around 100 students from schools across Sunderland to the Beacon of Light careers fair.
The event involved students from Thornhill Academy, Red House Academy, Sandhill View Academy, Academy 360 and Christ’s College.
Steve Walker, managing director of Stagecoach North East, said: “These careers days are about helping young people build confidence, broaden their horizons and put in solid foundations for their future working lives.
“We’re huge supporters of the Foundation of Light and the collaboration is authentic, impactful and focused on making a positive difference to the lives of young people across our city.”
Lesley Spuhler, chief executive of Foundation of Light, said: “Thanks to the support of Stagecoach, students have been able to experience real working environments, speak directly with professionals and gain valuable insight into industries and careers they may never have previously considered.
“Partnerships like this help raise aspirations, build confidence and show young people across Sunderland that there are exciting opportunities available right here in their city.”