Arriva adopts a local school, Sandhill View in Sunderland

We are one of the few major plcs in the North East, and we have a strong commitment to the region and its people. We feel that it is important to develop sustainable relationships with organisations. Through this scheme, our employees have been able to make a valuable contribution to the lives of youngsters and help to prepare them in achieving the transition from school to the world of work.

Bob DaviesChief Executive, Arriva PLC

For nearly three years, Arriva has been working in partnership with Sandhill View School in Sunderland, on an initiative designed to help pupils achieve the transition from school to the world of work, and to help increase their confidence and communication skills with adults. Sandhill View School is an inner city secondary school in Sunderland. The school is situated in an Education Action Zone (EAZ), in an area with high levels of unemployment and low aspirations.

Processes

In September 1999, a pilot mentoring scheme was established at Arriva’s head office in Sunderland, with 18 employees volunteering to take part. Each employee was paired up with a youngster aged around 14/15 years old, according to personalities, likes and dislikes. The first initiative ran for 18 months, with each mentor meeting their mentee every fortnight, to discuss a range of issues including what employers look for when recruiting new members of staff and the future career aspirations of the pupils. Meetings took place in work time and were tailored to meet the needs of the business.

Results

The pupils were assessed by the school at the beginning and at the end of the scheme, to monitor any change. Employability skills of the pupils were improved through the mentoring scheme, helping to tackle the issue of unemployment.

Feedback from the teachers at the school also showed that the scheme helped to improve the aspirations of many of the pupils, with a number having a clearer idea of what they wanted to do after leaving school.

At the end of the scheme, certificates were presented to both mentors and mentees by Arriva’s chief executive Bob Davies, with mentees including their certificates in their Record of Achievement. The pilot scheme was reviewed and evaluated, and it was agreed that the benefits were such that the scheme should continue. The second scheme is now is in place at Arriva’s head office, with 24 employees acting as mentors to pupils at the school. This scheme is due to end in May 2003, and plans are already in place to start the third scheme in October 2003.

Impact

  • 72% of pupils improved in one or more of the key subjects (Maths, English and English Literature)
  • One third improved in punctuality and attendance

See also