Member Article

Vivark and Acorn Environment Services offer teens path to success

Facilities management company and social enterprise Vivark is among one of the first organisations to offer work experience to young people from challenging backgrounds, as part of a North West scheme to tackle absenteeism.

The Young Person’s Development Model, developed by Acorn Environment Services, is a scheme which creates work experience placements for young people who struggle in a traditional academic environment.

As the first company in Merseyside to assist the programme, Vivark, part of the First Ark Group, will be working with Acorn Environment Services to offer practical placements, references and evidence of work completed, ready for when the students leave school and begin to seek employment.

Many young people enrolled on the programme are persistent truants who lack confidence and aspirations for education.

The scheme offers the opportunity to develop a strong work ethic and work as part of a team in the community, as well as increase motivation, improve behaviour and raise school attendance levels. Students work for two days a week and use the practical skills they learn to support their academic studies in school for the remaining three days.

Vivark’s first placement has been filled by Kirkby resident Frankie Marrs, 14. Frankie is undertaking work on void properties as part of the company’s longstanding contract with social housing provider, Knowsley Housing Trust.

Tony Cahill, executive director at Vivark, said: “Our focus on social purpose means we’re able to continually invest in the local community, particularly where it comes to offering opportunities for the development of young people.

Vivark’s experienced team is passionate about the work it carries out and creates an enjoyable working environment for all, making the company an ideal place for people like Frankie to gain quality work experience.“

The scheme is supported by Meadow Park School, which Frankie attends.

Tracey Regan, inclusive education mentor, said: “Not everyone is suited to traditional academic learning in a classroom environment. Schemes such as the YPDM and the support of organisations like Vivark offer students an alternative method of developing vital life skills, as well as gaining valuable work experience.

“The success of the programme is already evident in the improved attendance and achievements of the students taking part.”

So far the scheme has a 100% success rate, with all the young people who have participated showing improved school attendance and achievement.

Based on this success rate the programme has already come to the attention of minister for government policy, Oliver Letwin, who has encouraged the founders to roll the scheme out nationally.

Acorn Environment’s CEO, John Wilkson, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our Young Persons Development Model with such a high profile, professional and socially responsible business. Together with Vivark, we can give many children in the North West the opportunities in the workplace that they deserve.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .