GWR supports competition to help develop young people’s employability skills

Funding will support Envision’s Key Stage 4 Community-Apprentice competition, reaching 130 students in five schools across Bristol.

Participants will take part in team challenges and fundraise for a local charity, while receiving business mentoring to develop new skills and prepare them for the world of work.  

As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.

Envision’s Ben Harding said:

“We are a UK charity that exists to build confidence and develop employability skills, using social action as a vehicle to get young people engaged in issues that affect their local community. 

“There is an increasing body of evidence linking social mobility, to non-cognitive skills such as confidence, self-esteem and resilience. This is where we focus our effort.”

Those taking part in Community-Apprentice are supported by weekly sessions with their Envision coach in school. Envision also matches a school with a business partner to provide volunteer mentors to help coach young people through their projects.

The interschool competition culminates in a pitching challenge to a panel of three of judges.

GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:

“We have a specific pot of money designed to help support schools, colleges and community or other not-for-profit organisations. The Community-Apprentice programme will help to inspire young people from all backgrounds, allowing them to develop new skills and preparing them for future employment.”

To find out more about Envision please visit envision.org.uk

Notes to editors

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year. 
Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us