Bathroom and kitchen surface manufacturer Rearo has joined forces with employment charity, First Steps Future Training, to create work opportunities for underprivileged young people. The partnership aims to equip youngsters, aged 12 to 25, with the skills, experience and confidence needed for future employment.
First Steps Future Training provides young people with construction training and qualifications to help them secure work in the sector. Its training programme covers a range of trades, including bricklaying, joinery, painting, decorating, and scaffolding. It has helped hundreds of youngsters from underprivileged backgrounds to find work since the charity was formed in 2013.
Rearo, which has premises in Glasgow, Washington, Tyne and Wear, and Northampton, manufactures high-pressure laminate wall panels, and commercial washrooms for a range of UK businesses.
Jamie Campbell, the company’s operations excellence manager, said: "The programme that First Steps has set up is remarkable. It provides a valuable training ground for these young individuals who might not have had the best start in life. From the ages of 12 to 18, they engage in practical skills development, preparing them for the challenges of the working world."
As part of the collaboration, Rearo has also contributed to the charity's facilities, providing toilet cubicles and wall panels to enhance the infrastructure at the First Steps’ HQ at Broad Street Bridgeton. Rearo is also offering a 6-week trial period for graduates of First Steps’ training programme, essentially providing a pre-apprenticeship experience. This allows both the company and the individual to assess compatibility before committing to a formal apprenticeship.
The success stories emerging from First Steps are a testament to the positive impact of such collaborations. The charity maintains a "Wall of Success" featuring individuals who have successfully transitioned into employment or apprenticeships after completing the programme.
