Future Finders Blog – 3.2.23

Head of College Update

We might be rapidly approaching the half-term. However, there are no signs of things slowing down here at Future Finders. Students and staff have continued to work very hard this week and, as a result, we have some amazing updates to share with you

This January, our very own Mr Handrick and Mr Lawrence achieved a remarkable feat (no pun intended) by successfully completing the #496Challenge. Here’s how the running challenge works… 1st January starts with one mile or kilometre, two miles or kilometres on the 2nd January – up to a 31 miles or kilometres run on the 31st January, equalling 496. No rest days, increasing distances every day!

There are no rules to the challenge, just as long as you complete the required numbers for that day. However, this wasn’t an option for Mr Handrick and Mr Lawrence, they completed their runs each morning before hitting the classrooms at New Bridge College!

Mr Lawrence’s earliest run started at 3:00am

Mr Handrick’s earliest run started at 1:45am

On the 25th January, Mr Handrick ran 26.2 miles to do a marathon. Overall, MR Handrick ran seven back-to-back marathons… and more, he ran over 500 miles in January! Mr Lawrence ran over 500 kilometres! Both stated that they were ‘glad we have done it but we would never do it again (that doesn’t mean that we are not thinking about doing another challenge this year’

Future Finders Update

We would like to start the Blog this week talking about an event that Mr Morrison our Senior Job Coach attended, ‘Creating positive employment outcomes for young people with SEND through supported internships’ that was held at the Brooklyn Hotel in Manchester.

This event had a range of guest speakers who were keen to share experiences and how they as employers have benefited from providing opportunities to young adults with SEND.

Employers from across the Manchester area could have the opportunity for networking, asking questions and sharing good practice around how being involved with a supported internship has had life changing and positive impact for all involved.

The event started with looking at the local and national picture delivered by Rachel Leah – Preparing for Adulthood Policy Lead, Department of Education and also Julie Hicklin – SEND lead, Manchester City Council who went onto explain that approx. 5.1% of young adults with SEND are employed nationwide and that they are striving to boost employer confidence and making opportunities more accessible for young adults to gain positive outcomes through working interviews.

The stars of the day were three inspiring young adults who shared their success stories of gaining paid employment through attending a supported internship. George is currently working at The Alchemist as part of the back-bar and has been there for 9 years resulting in him currently being the longest serving bar staff member, Martha a Customer Service Advisor at the Peel Investment Group and Jay Rea a Breakfast Assistant at the Brooklyn Hotel. Amazing people with life changing opportunities.

Speaking of stars, it’s time to talk about one of our very own…

Tyler!

Mike, one of our amazing Job Coaches has been supporting Tyler on placement had some positive news to share, so over to you Mike…

“Tyler is an amazing young adult who has expressed his interest and determination to follow a career path towards becoming a chef, he has been working at Brewers Fayre in Chadderton since October last year. His work ethic, willingness to learn and passion for cooking has impressed all the restaurant staff to the point where he received a visit from senior management this week, who had heard all about him and the great support he is receiving from their own staff. They feel he is very much part of their team. Well done, “Big Dog” (Tyler’s affectionate nick name amongst the team). You should be very proud of yourself for making the most of your opportunity and for showing both yourself and New Bridge College in such a positive light.”

Lastly, but certainly not least, we have Pete, this week we have followed one of his working days and created a small video below of ‘A day in the life’ while at placement so sit back, relax and take a look at what he has been up to at Currys Megastore. Popcorn ready!

‘A Day in the Life of…’ – https://youtu.be/eUQFvze51zw 

Have a wonderful weekend all, Future Finders Staff and Students.