Donation of dreams: Washington Academy receives £4,000 from local employer Vantec Europe for exciting careers boost
The greatest gifts are not wrapped in paper… but in good intentions!
Washington Academy, part of Consilium Academies, has received two generous cheques for £2,000 each from local employer Vantec Europe. Wow, what a lovely gift.
Now, the school can put the £4,000 cash towards developing its careers programme, so that the pupils can benefit from additional opportunities and exciting experiences to get them ready for ‘the real word’.
Demonstrating the power of community
The North East Automotive Alliance awards are designed to celebrate success in the industry, and the winning companies must give their awards money as a donation to local schools to support their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) studies.
Washington Academy helped make history! The £4,000 is the biggest donation that has ever been made to a single school since the awards’ inception.
Vantec won two categories: Digital Transformation Award (sponsored by NA College) and Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by Sunderland City Council) for its Managing Director, Martin Kendall.
But the Vantec cash injection wasn’t the only boost for Washington Academy’s careers programme – Martelli also gave the school £500. Such generosity from within the community.
This particular donation followed the moment Marelli’s interior experience team was highly commended for innovation at the recent awards.
The school has been partnered with Marelli for two years, and the company has helped the school to improve the careers advice given to students.
The company supports the school’s work experience week and also runs mock interview days so that the young adults can practise their interview technique.
Strong relationships with local employers can go a long way
Washington Head Teacher, Vicky Carter, said: “We are very grateful to Vantec and Marelli for their generosity and for all the support they offer to the students at Washington Academy. We would also like to thank the North East Automotive Alliance for enabling this to happen.
“This money will go towards our careers programme, helping us to fulfil our Washington values of developing every student in a dynamic and progressive learning environment.”
Assistant Head Teacher and the school’s lead on careers, Kelly Oakland, said: “We are very privileged at Washington to have such strong relationships with our local employers.
“The support they offer our students in terms of work experience and developing interview skills is very valuable and helps the school to make sure students are well prepared for the future.
“Their generosity following the North East Automotive Alliance awards will allow us to widen the careers service we offer our students even further.”
A spokesperson for Vantec said: “We are proud to champion education, learning and skills and look forward to developing a collaborative partnership with the school going forward.”
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “We’re delighted to learn that Washington Academy has received two generous donations to the tune of £4,000. As one of the biggest donations that has ever been made to a single school, staff should be proud of this accomplishment.
“We hope the pupils realise just how lucky they are to have had their career opportunities broadened so deeply. We look forward to hearing about all the incredible things they achieve as a result.”
Great work from everybody at Washington Academy and the wider Sunderland community. Reach for the stars!
Washington Academy is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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