FirstGroup, the UK’s largest transport operator, has got on board with an Apprentice style project run by Aberdeenshire based, Enterprise North East Trust.
‘The Recruit’ aims to get winter school-leavers ready for employment through a number of innovative business challenges. FirstGroup has given its support to the project by setting the ‘Recruits’ an exciting ‘Green Travel’ business challenge. Tasked with putting together a marketing campaign to encourage people to use public transport, the teenagers presented their ideas to FirstGroup’s HR and Marketing teams, in a Lord Sugar style boardroom showdown.
The Recruit has been running since October, with 10 teenagers from various schools across Aberdeen competing for the chance to win a £14,000, 12 month, work contract with a programme partner. Aside from providing one school-leaver with a fantastic career opportunity, the project aims to enhance the employment prospects of all participants by helping them develop skills for life and skills for work.
Gary McEwan, Chief Executive of Enterprise North East Trust said: “Gaining support from local businesses has been fundamental to the success of this project and we are very grateful to FirstGroup for getting involved by setting this excellent challenge. Real life examples like this are an ideal way for the school-leavers to familiarise themselves with the way businesses work, whilst developing their employability and confidence.
“The Recruit aims to open the teenagers’ eyes to all areas of business, from sales and marketing to the day to day running of a company. They are all extremely enthusiastic and can’t wait to get their teeth into another challenge. The project has been a great success so far and has made a real difference to those involved. From their experiences, some have shown an interest in starting their own businesses and all have become very focussed on their future careers.”
John Evans, FirstGroup’s HR Director, formed part of the judging panel today. “We were impressed by the quality of the presentations from both teams and the enthusiasm on show from all the candidates. We wish them all well in their future careers and were pleased to play a part in such an innovative and inspiring careers initiative.”
FirstGroup ran the one day challenge yesterday, 13th January, at FirstGroup headquarters on King Street, Aberdeen. The Recruit students were split into two groups and tasked with developing a marketing campaign focusing on the environmental benefits of using public transport compared to the private car. The marketing plans were presented to the HR and Marketing teams at the end of the day.
The winner of The Recruit will be announced at a gala dinner at the Hilton Treetops, Aberdeen on the 28th of January. The winner will receive a 12 month work contract worth £14,000.
