Springboard Futures is a training provision for people aged 19- 25 with Autism.

Our learners researched the battle of Ypres and were moved by rough wooden crosses that covered the battlefield. Initially, the learners thought the fallen would be buried in the type of cemeteries that they are familiar with, however, their research showed that during the battle, the graves were marked by rough wooden crosses made from wood that was available, typically from ammunition cases and shattered duck boards.

Moved by this, our Futures Learners decided to make their own Ypres Cross in tribute to the fallen.

The cross will be placed on the cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday.

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The learners joined a project to improve Southwick Village Green by planting flowers and bedding plants in time for this year’s Armistice commemorations.

Learner Angela said, “I really enjoyed working with The SARA Project. When we started there was just soil around the memorial. After we had finished a hard day planting, the area was really nice, and the memorial looks good.”

Springboard Futures lead Emma Carmody said, “Being an active and valuable member of the community is one of the key aims of Springboard. Improving the areas that we live and work in and supporting the community are fundamental to who we are and what we want to achieve. Working with SARA has been a fantastic experience for our learners, and we will be continuing this work in the future to deliver more community projects.”

Our learners along with others volunteers managed to plant 925 winter flowers on Southwick Green. Bare flower beds and planters have been transformed with Pansies and Violas in preparation for Remembrance Sunday.

A special thank you to the other volunteers from Gentoo Group, Southwick Neighbourhood Youth Project, Southwick Labour Action Team and Southwick Village Green Preservation Society.

Also a big thanks to The Green Bean cafè on Southwick Green and Morrisons Seaburn Community Support for looking after us with refreshments.

This project was supported by Sunderland City Council’s North Area Committee.

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New for this academic year, Springboard has opened A-Spire Hairdressing & Beauty Salon in our head office in Pallion, as a new training center for our hair and beauty learners.

A brand new salon for the new year, our A-Spire Salon was due to open in June/July, however, due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the opening was delayed. In August, the Government allowed face to face learning to commence, and our Salon was able to undergo the work it needed to get it ready for opening!

Our new A-Spire Salon welcomed back learners the last few weeks, and practical assignments have now relaunched!

Learners on our Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy qualifications will study in our salon and will complete training in manicure, pedicure, waxing, facials, massage, hairdressing & more!

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Tom and Jack have recently completed interviews and subsequent work trials at Express Brands, which has led to them both securing an apprenticeship.

They have both – along with Niall – just started their Apprenticeship journey following the Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Standard which will kickstart their careers and teach valuable skills, as well as seeing them earning their own money!

If you’re interested in hiring an apprentice for your business, you can read more about the benefits and process via this link. Hiring an apprentice is a cost-effective way to grow and develop your own staff. Currently, all businesses who recruit an apprentice aged 16-18 will receive a cash incentive of 3000 pounds (a new Government incentive due to a new Covid-19 grant, which is available between August 2020 and January 2021).

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Our Springboard Futures learners have been working in the community to help support others facing isolation – and have been spreading joy to the elderly in the community!

As part of Springboard wellbeing sessions, the learners had become aware that some in the community were at increased risk of becoming socially isolated.

During sessions, a number of learners identified older people as being at particular risk. They suggested that we show support to residents of a local Care Home who have gone into lockdown, with residents unable to have visits from family and friends.

The learners designed and made a banner with messages of support. Due to the restrictions, the residents had to watch the students from inside but were able to wave and pass on their appreciation.

Activities coordinator at Bryony Park, Amy, said; “It was absolutely fantastic to see the learners and it really meant a lot to our residents, they were able to exchange their

best wishes

Springboard Futures Wellbeing lead Paul Colborn said; “We place mental health and well-being at the heart of everything we do at Springboard. Learners are encouraged to support others as well as themselves, so when they suggested they help others within their community I wasn’t surprised at all. They were particularly concerned about the effects of lockdown on the elderly and identified those in our community that they wanted to help. It was easy to see the benefits they got and the great pleasure the residents had in seeing the learners.”

What a lovely thing to do! Well Done to all those learners involved.

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Rapid Windows, based in Seaham, has extended their workforce by hiring two new Apprentices.

One of their new apprentices, Brandon, pictured here with HR Manager Michael, will be working towards a Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard. 

Michael commented; “I contacted Suzanne, who as usual, arranged interviews with some very strong candidates. Again, the process was smooth and efficient and I would recommend Springboard to anyone considering recruiting an apprentice!”

Brandon joins photo-shy Bobby, as Rapid Windows two newest recruits! Best of luck in your new roles.

If you’re interested in hiring an apprentice for your business, contact our team today by sending emailing agoodall@springboard-ne.org

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Meet St Bede’s RC Primary School’s newest Apprentice – Lily

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Lily has recently started an Early Years Apprenticeship at St Bede’s in Washington. Lily will be supporting the children and teaching staff across nursery and reception, whilst working towards her Apprenticeship standard. Best of Luck in your new role Lily!

St Bede’s RC Primary School in Washington chose Springboard to help them appoint their newest Early Years Apprentice.

Using Springboard’s Apprenticeship programme, St Bede’s have benefited from Springboard’s hassle free recruitment service, alongside a cash incentive of £3000 pound. If you’re interested in hiring an apprentice, send us an email on agoodall@springboard-ne.org

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A warm welcome back to all of our Springboard Future’s learners who have just finished their induction and transition period!

Staff member Paul is particularly proud of the way the learners have coped: “Springboard Futures learners new and old have completed their two week induction and transition period. After a difficult six months for the country, there has probably never been a more testing time for learners across the country, however with the help and support of staff the learners have settled seamlessly into their new curriculum’s!”

Futures Lead, Emma, added “At Springboard we are known for our comprehensive transition programme. Although this has been affected by the Covid pandemic, we have still been able to offer bespoke support packages. The new and returning learners have coped fantastically during this very difficult time, and we have had a highly successful and enjoyable transition.”

Learner Megan said; “To help with the transition I decided to bake cakes for all the learners and staff, I really enjoy baking and when I brought the cakes in we had a chance to enjoy them in our bubbles, everyone was able to chat and enjoy them!”

Fantastic work from all of our Futures Learners, and we look forward to the year ahead!

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Secondly, congratulations to James who secured and started his apprenticeship during lockdown. “Exclusive Aluminium were really supportive along with my tutor, they made it a safe environment for me to get back to work. I have settled within the team and enjoy going to my job! I have been trained on many aspects on the production line. Exclusive Aluminium is a great place to work and Springboard as a provider are 5* plus.”

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Our Social Enterprise learners have finished their biggest project so far! For the last 6 weeks our learners have been working on this garden storage/woodstore project for Springboard Trustee, Jon.

Jon’s son popped down to our Peterlee site to meet the learners and watch them apply the final touches to his Dad’s project!

Jon and his son have been so impressed with the work the learners have carried out, they donated £50 to our Social Enterprise project!

A huge well done to the lads involved in this project – we are all so proud of you!

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