Presented ‘Economic Regeneration’ award at Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards
Mitie, the FTSE 250 strategic outsourcing and energy services company, has received a prestigious award for its work helping young unemployed people find work during the recession.
The ‘Economic Regeneration’ award was presented to Mitie at the Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards, held last night at Mansion House in the City of London.
The award recognises companies that are contributing to the economic re-generation of an area through employment initiatives and small businesses.
Mitie beat off stiff competition from KPMG, commercial law firm Clyde & Co and other businesses to receive the award for its Real Apprentice Scheme.
The scheme was launched in 2005 to help young unemployed people in London find work through a full time training programme and placements in professional environments.
Many of those entering the scheme include the long term unemployed and those with disabilities.
‘Real Apprentices’ are offered between eight and 12 weeks of training and an operational placement either on a Mitie site or with one of Mitie’s clients or suppliers.
The training gives the ‘apprentice’ the chance to learn essential business skills such as CV writing, time management, interpersonal skills, time keeping and how to perform in an interview.
During the operational placement the apprentices have a mentor and the opportunity to work in a number of roles, ranging from the mailroom to landscaping.
Since establishing the course 216 Real Apprentices have completed the course and Mitie has helped 148 of them secure jobs.
Jane James, Employment Regeneration Director at Mitie said:
“Mitie has always been a people business committed to its staff and the communities in which it operates, which is why receiving this acknowledgement is so fantastic.
“At a time when youth unemployment is so high, the Real Apprentice Scheme and Mitie employees are playing an important role in helping the unemployed gain skills, get back into work and feel more positive about their lives.”
The Real Apprentice Scheme: http://www.mitie.com/sustainability/real-apprentice
-ENDS-
For further information, contact:
Chris Watts
D: 020 7861 2859
E: cwatts@bell-pottinger.co.uk
Notes for editors
What is the Lord’s Mayor’s Dragon Awards?
The Lord Mayor’s Dragon Awards recognise and celebrate community engagement in Greater London; activities include charity partnerships, employee volunteering, employability initiatives and local purchasing.
The scheme is designed to reward those who display excellence in engaging with their local communities, and also to inspire others and provide examples of best practise.
http://www.dragonawards.org.uk/apply_for_an_award/award_categories/economic_regeneration/index.html
