At Progress Futures, post-16 provision for Progress Arc, we’re always looking for ways to help our students build their confidence, develop practical skills and prepare for life beyond education. As part of this, we’re excited to introduce our new Social Impact Partner programme, bringing local businesses and employers together to create valuable opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The programme is designed to build connections between our students and the world of work, giving them the chance to explore different industries, learn from employers and gain experiences that support their preparation for adulthood.
Connecting education with the world of work
Progress Futures supports young people with SEND through four vocational pathways: Build, Create, Grow and Nurture. Each pathway helps students develop practical skills, explore their interests and work towards their individual aspirations.
We know that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Experiences such as meeting employers, visiting workplaces and trying out new activities can help students develop a better understanding of the opportunities available to them and what their future might look like.
Our Social Impact Partner programme aims to make more of these experiences possible by connecting students with businesses willing to share their time, knowledge and expertise.
How can businesses get involved?
We’re keen to hear from businesses of all sizes and across a range of industries. There are lots of ways to support our students, depending on what you can offer and how much time you’re able to commit.
This could include:
- Careers talks: Sharing your career journey and giving students an insight into your industry.
- Workplace visits: Helping students experience different working environments and understand what happens within them.
- Mentoring: Offering guidance, encouragement and opportunities to build confidence.
- Practical workshops: Sharing industry knowledge and helping students develop new skills.
- Work experience: Providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience and explore potential career paths.
The programme has three levels of involvement: Bronze, Silver and Gold. This gives businesses flexibility to choose how they’d like to contribute, with different opportunities and recognition available at each level.
Recognising our Social Impact Partners
We want to make sure the businesses supporting our students are recognised for the time and commitment they give.
Depending on your level of involvement, you could benefit from a dedicated listing and link on our website, a digital badge and marketing toolkit, invitations to employer events and promotion across our social media and communications.
Silver and Gold partners can access additional recognition, including named shout-outs at events, press releases, case studies and testimonials, and features in our partner newsletter. Gold partners can also receive a physical partner plaque for their premises and benefit from opportunities such as joint lobbying.
Alongside this recognition, becoming a Social Impact Partner gives businesses an opportunity to strengthen their local connections, demonstrate their commitment to social value and support more inclusive employment opportunities.
Building opportunities together
We have some incredible businesses supporting this programme already and we’re looking forward to developing our network of Social Impact Partners and building relationships with even more employers who want to play a part in supporting young people as they prepare for adulthood.
Whether you’re able to share your professional experience, offer a workplace visit or provide a more hands-on opportunity, we’d love to explore how your business could get involved.
Interested in becoming a Progress Futures Social Impact Partner?
Find out more info about becoming a Social Impact Partner here
