Stagecoach partnered with the charity Foundation of Light to provide transport and careers support to young people.
Students at Thornhill Academy, Red House Academy and Sandhill View Academy attended a dedicated careers day on 30 April at the Beacon of Light community hub and Stagecoach Sunderland depot.
The event was linked to the Foundation of Light’s Premier League Inspires mentoring programme for people aged 11-18.
Attendees received a tour of the depot to gain behind-the-scenes insight into a career in the bus sector, showcasing opportunities in fields such as engineering, operations, control room management, commercial, marketing, and vehicle paintwork.
Stagecoach was involved in a second Foundation of Light careers event on 6 May connected to the charity’s Connecting Futures initiative. Students from Thornhill Academy, Red House Academy, Sandhill View Academy, Academy 360 and Christ’s College were able to speak to the operator’s staff about opportunities in the industry.
Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, says: “Stagecoach operates right at the heart of daily life in Sunderland and we’re extremely proud to support the Foundation of Light by helping transport students to these potentially life-changing events.
“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. You can see the Stadium of Light from my office window, so there is a real connection between our organisations and the communities we serve.”
Lesley Spuhler, Chief Executive of Foundation of Light, adds: “Providing young people with opportunities to explore future careers is a hugely important part of the work we do at the Foundation of Light.
“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.”
