Last Updated on: 21st November 2023, 08:53 pm
Global technology company, Ricoh UK, on Tuesday hosted the Team Programme graduation event at its Northampton HQ in conjunction with its charity partner, The Prince’s Trust.
The ceremony, attended by The Worshipful Mayor of Northampton, Councillor Chris Malpas, marked the conclusion of a 12 week employability programme run by The Prince’s Trust to help 16 young people in Northampton that are currently not in employment, education or training (NEET) develop their self-confidence, social skills and work experience. Ricoh UK is just one local business that has participated in The Trust’s Team Programme, providing interview and CV workshops alongside a number of work placements to help the 16-25 year olds secure full-time employment or re-enter into education or training.
The programme has seen the youngsters challenged through a series of tasks and projects designed to offer experience into areas such as project management and communication. Over three months, they have delivered their own community project to make a positive difference to the place in which they live, taken part in an action packed residential trip and undertaken work experience in a field they are interested in.
Rebekah Wallis, director of people and corporate responsibility at Ricoh UK said: “Ricoh UK is a proud supporter of The Prince’s Trust Team Programme in Northampton because we believe that every young person should be equipped with the skills and confidence to develop their careers in whichever way they choose. We have seen a remarkable transformation in the young people that took part in the programme, and we wish them all the very best in applying everything they have learned as they take their next steps in the professional world.
“The programme has also provided multiple benefits to our employees, opening up greater team building opportunities, and allowing them to develop their business awareness and interpersonal skills. As a company committed to sustainable corporate responsibility, this sort of integration sits at the heart of everything that we do.”
During the event, every programme graduate addressed the audience with insights into their own personal development throughout the 12 week process, as well as explaining where they believe their personal direction now lies. The event concluded with the awarding of graduation certificates, presented by Councillor Chris Malpas.
