Georgina Pedley, Senior Partnerships Manager at Teach First provides an update on the benefits to the Charity of the Livery Company’s association with Teach First, telling us that the partnership has made a real difference to their work to end educational inequality.
Members of the Worshipful Company of Butchers have regularly given up their time to support young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that pupils are able to benefit from inspirational workplace visits, careers talks and mentoring. Teachers have also received ongoing coaching support from Company members, enabling them to thrive in the classroom.
Workplace visits
Such visits provide pupils with the chance to learn about the world of work and the opportunities available to them in their local area, helping raise aspirations about what they are able to achieve.
Master Graham Baker and his team at Butchers Pet Care are hosting the next visit at his factory in October, giving local pupils a chance to learn about the pet food industry.
Apprentice Guest Teacher Lesson
Over the last year we have hosted two very successful apprentice guest teacher lessons, arranged by Bill Jermey, in Bradford and Wolverhampton enabling pupils to learn about the benefits of apprenticeships and the careers they can lead to.
Next year, Jane Dale of Meat Ipswich has generously offered to help support our work by finding another apprentice who would be willing to host a lesson.
Work Experience
Work experience opportunities demonstrate a range of careers and the skills needed to succeed.
Life’s Kitchen, WCB’s Venue Management partners, are hosting three pupils for one week in October with opportunities for experience in the kitchen, front of house and office, preparing for a top class Life’s Kitchen event.
Similar opportunities are being pursued with Harper Adams University.
Coaching
Over the last few years, members of the Livery have generously given up their time to support our teachers as professional coaches. Providing advice and guidance to teachers enabling them to thrive in the classroom and develop into great leaders in education.
Futures Mentoring
Liverymen from the Company have given their time to mentor pupils on our Futures programme. Through this work, they provided invaluable advice and support to pupils who had the capabilities to go on to University but often lacked the confidence and guidance needed.
This particular programme has had a huge impact on pupils across the country, with 72% of those on it progressing to university.
One Mentor commented: “The Futures Mentoring programme is a rewarding experience for the mentor and a valuable support mechanism for the mentees, both of whom have acknowledged its value over the 12 months we have worked together, particularly in the early months as they get their heads around the bewildering choices in front of them. The programme is professionally set up and supported by TF, does not demand a large time investment by the mentor and is most satisfying in that I can give the benefit of my almost 40 years' experience to those at the start of their careers. I would recommend the experience to any Liveryman.”
Run the River
On Tuesday 17th September we will again be hosting our Run the River event. As the name suggests it’s an event near the Thames with some 13,000 runners having completed the course since 2014. It is a fantastic opportunity for a twilight 5k or 10k walk or run taking in some of London’s most impressive landmarks.
Liveryman, Gerald Shortland is again managing a Butchers’ Company team and can be contacted via the WCB office if you would like more information about joining in.
Thank you again for all your ongoing support and we look forward to continuing our partnership over the coming months.
