Paxton mentors join Dare to Dream programme for second year

Dare to Dream is an initiative organised by the LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C. The Foundation pairs up volunteer mentors from businesses with Year 9 students aged 13 to 14. This gives teenagers an opportunity to speak to adults who are not their teachers or parents about the future of the often-daunting world of work.

The programme aims to challenge and inspire youngsters to change the way in which they think and help them build confidence in setting big life goals. Inspirational assemblies are delivered to Year 9 students and then there’s the additional support of workshops and mentoring for the 30 students selected to work with Paxton’s mentors.

Kate Hotson, projects and events manager at Paxton, informed Security Matters: “It was great to be a part of such a brilliant programme last year. The Paxton mentors really enjoyed the experience and all of them felt as though they bonded well with the students involved.”

Hotson continued: “We didn’t want to join the programme as a ‘one off’ because we believe that, in order to deliver real change and make a difference within our local communities, we need to consistently reach out and offer support. On that note, we hope to work with LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C and Sussex students for many years to come.”

Understanding of purpose

Jack Hayes, head of programme delivery at LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C, is particularly pleased to be working with Paxton again. He stated: “Paxton really understands the purpose of the Dare to Dream programme and the messages we try to deliver. The Paxton mentors are so friendly and engaged with the students as well as the programme content itself. I’m excited for the students to visit Paxton’s stunning headquarters, Technology Centre and manufacturing facilities in Brighton and Eastbourne.”

As noted, this is the second year in a row Paxton mentors are to be partnered up with students from Patcham High School.

Mike Newman, deputy head at Patcham High School, explained: “Working with Paxton last year was a real treat for us as a school and the Year 9 students in particular. Paxton is a consistently professional, obliging and friendly business. We have been incredibly grateful to be paired with such an innovative, community spirited and caring company. The Paxton mentors are really committed and inspire our students no end. They do so simply by listening and being incredibly supportive.”

Expanded participation

Following on from last year’s initial experience, Paxton has expanded its participation in 2022 by including its Eastbourne manufacturing facility in the programme and duly partnering with students from the nearby Willingdon Community School.

Kate Hotson observed: “When planning to participate in the programme for the second year, we felt it would be great to give our manufacturing team in Eastbourne the opportunity to reach out to its community and help a school that is local to the site.”

Alison Borrell, director of learning for technology and enterprise and associate assistant head at Willingdon Community School, commented: “We aim to prepare our students for the careers of tomorrow and raise aspirations for jobs in the STEM sector. Working with Paxton will enable our students to gain a valuable insight into the different employability skills and careers that a forward-thinking worldwide manufacturer can offer.”

Further, Borrell observed: “Taking part in the Dare to Dream programme will help our students develop self-belief and enhance the qualities that will enable them to be more successful both at school and in later life.”

*Watch this video to find out more about what it’s like to Dare to Dream with Paxton’s mentors

**Further information is available online at www.paxton-access.com