Lift off for RAISE 2!

Following the success of the CMP initiative RAISE (Raising Achievement Inspiring Supporting and Encouraging) programme aimed at inspiring future generations of young people as they make their ways from school into the workplace, which was introduced in 2024, the second cohort of students undertook their first work placed visits in March.

Beginning with a morning at Farnborough Airport, the cohort enjoyed a packed itinerary involving a tour or the Terminal building and hangars, meeting a range of employees at Europe's largest business airport. Mark Sanderson, Group Corporate Responsibility Manager, responsible for putting the attractive programme of activities and speakers together, was pleased with the day: 'We're delighted to participate in RAISE. It's important that we play a part in helping these young people in our community understand what the Airport is and does - and that when they leave school they could consider a career with us.'

The group of year 9 students from Tomlinscote School were selected on the strength of their applications for inclusion on RAISE. One participant was particularly impressed by the input of Aaron Fazal - who left the Sixth Form College in Farnborough and joined us as a Corporate Social Responsibility Apprentice at the Airport whilst studying for a degree: 'I didn't realise you could earn and learn. That's certainly something I'll think about.'

After lunch at the Airport, the cohort were hosted by PJ Farr, founder and CEO of UK Connect, leading advanced wireless connectivity solutions provider based at Cody Technology Park.

The group were intrigued by the hi-tec work of UK Connect, working with face recognition systems and AI before creating their very own functional RAISE Satellite Network utilising Skynet! 'It was mind blowing', commented Caroline Crabtree, the teacher who manages RAISE at the School end.

This remarkable day concluded with a personal offer of an interview and the possibility of year 10 work-experience, made to all the students.

Next month, this intrepid group will be hosted by more CMP Members, The Village Hotel and BMW Group UK; in June they visit Amazon Filters. RAISE 2 will conclude in July with a celebratory graduation event at The Village, when the students will be presenting on their experiences and what they have learnt about the real world of work to a group of employers.