Kingsway pupils tour TBA

Kingsway pupils tour TBA

The TBA-Mosaic mentoring programme drew to a close last week as pupils from Kingsway High School took in a factory visit at TBA Protective Technologies.

Over the course of the school year directors and senior staff at Rochdale Hornets have been accompanied by staff and management from TBA Protective Technologies to deliver the Prince Charles accredited Mosaic Mentoring programme.

The programme, funded by TBA, has seen a close group of pupils cover aspects such as presentation skills, CV writing, presentation skills, planning and preparation and debating skills, all vitally important as the year 10 and year 11 pupils look to life after school.

Hornets CEO Ryan Bradley said: "The programme is aimed at getting the young people ready for the workplace.

"We work with a relatively small group and tell them first-hand what we are looking for as employers.

"None of us are teachers and it's refreshing for the pupils to hear a different voice and style and make them aware first-hand what it will take to join the world of work if they choose not to go on to college."

The programme finished off with a factory tour at TBA Protective Technologies, where pupils got to see first-hand the processes, environment and culture of one of Rochdale's historic employers.

The pupils were shown how Kevlar, used to manufacture bullet proof vests amongst other items, was refined and woven and heard how TBA manufacture various world leading products used for fire protection in schools and workplaces as well as on ships, trains and planes around the world.

Mark Linekar, TBA General Manager, said: "As a company we have been established for well over 100 years and we have had to constantly change and adapt to survive and prosper.

"We have a long serving, loyal workforce and last year we took the bold move of taking on four apprentices to freshen things up.

“The young apprentices work across business administration, technical, sales and also as a hands on electrician and they have all been fantastic.

“We got involved with this programme as we wanted to show young people that the option to learn on the job is there and to provide them with the basic skills we as employers are looking for.

“It was great to be able to go into schools and work with a close group of pupils and help them learn vital employment skills."