Arriva backing World of Work

Transport group Arriva is backing the Sunderland-based Beacon of Light to get more people into work.

Arriva, which is headquartered in the North East, employs more than 60,000 people across Europe and will invest £500,000 in Sunderland to help more people acquire the skills and qualifications they need to improve their employment opportunities.

Arriva’s Chief Financial Officer Martin Hibbert said, “We are really excited and enthused by the concept of the Beacon of Light. We feel that, as a company “born” in Sunderland, this is the perfect permanent legacy for Arriva to give something more back to the area.

“Arriva is passionate about developing skills in the local economy and making the North East a better place in which to live and work. The Beacon is a platform to provide more opportunities for people to learn those skills and find fresh employment opportunities.

“It’s a project that will give people the chance to thrive and open up new experiences and is one of the most forward-thinking business and community schemes in the region.” “The opportunity to get involved with the project was an easy decision. Arriva is an important local jobs provider with lots of expertise so we are determined to contribute as much as possible.” added Mr Hibbert.

Foundation of Light chief executive Lesley Spuhler OBE said: “The Beacon of Light exemplifies the Foundation’s ground-breaking approach to changing lives and Arriva’s backing for the development of the World of Work is immensely important to the project.

“Arriva has supported the Foundation for many years so we are delighted they have chosen to further strengthen their partnership with us and to help more people acquire vital skills, qualifications and ultimately employment.

“The Beacon will fuse together the world of work, education, sport and health and well-being like no other place in the UK but it would not be possible without the support of forward thinking companies like Arriva.”

The World of Work at the Beacon has been designed to empower people, instil confidence and inspire them to shine by exploring a world of work opportunities as well as to acquire valuable new skills and qualifications. Working with leading business names such as Arriva it will also blend learning and reality to help more young people to transition from education into work - and making a valuable contribution to the region’s economy.

The award winning Foundation of Light was established in 2001 and uses the power of football to educate, inspire and motivate. One of the largest and leading sports charities in the UK, it has an excellent track record of working with children, young people and their families.

Structurally and financially independent of Sunderland Football Club, the Foundation is the architect of its own success raising over £4 million pa to deliver life changing and pioneering education programmes across the region.