Well, this week I have attended one of my favourite events of the year – the Bridging the Gap Graduation Ceremony at Manchester Metropolitan University..

Bridging the Gap is a project where students are based for a full year at the university and take part in 3 full time work placements. I set this project up about 7 years ago and it is just such an honour to attend the annual celebration and see what a huge impact it has on the lives of the young people taking part in the project.

This year, our Future Finders students utilised these placements and they have all had incredible experiences at the university. They looked extremely smart in their caps and gowns and all delivered heartfelt, funny and emotional speeches to an audience of university staff, school staff, friends and family members..

I, along with parents and fellow staff,was extremely proud! The event was hosted by the Vice Chancellor of the university, who said it was his favourite event of the year!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff at MMU for continuing to support the scheme..

Last year three students from New Bridge were on this project and a year on, all three of them have moved into paid employment. This is down to the skills, independence and confidence that they gained through Bridging the Gap! I look forward to attending many more graduation ceremonies in years to come.

More good news from our Future Finders this week as Zoheb has gained a job in a local retail store! Well done Zoheb! Abu and Humayun are also currently on a work trial at another major retail outlet in Oldham and I hear that they are doing brilliantly, so well done to you all and fingers crossed for more job offers in the near future!

That is it for this week. I hope you all enjoy your weekend! I shall be spending Sunday with my choir performing in Albert Square for Manchester Day! Fingers crossed for some good weather.

Daniel
Director of Employment & Co Head of Site at Medtia Square

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