Member Article

Beacon of Light receives support from Barratts Developments

Remote learning at the Beacon of Light has been made easier thanks to a donation from Barratt Developments North East.

The local housebuilder has provided 20 all-in-one computers to assist with distant learning, as part of its ongoing education partnership, which includes both Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes brands.

Since COVID-19, remote working and learning has significantly increased, with reports1 highlighting that students are currently spending on average five hours a day on home learning. To ensure that the facility can continue offering its integral educational courses, including Barratt Homes’ Construction Academy which launched last year, the housebuilder is donating 20 essential computers, to aid the offered courses remotely.

Last year, Barratt Developments North East partnered with Sunderland AFC’s official charity, Foundation of Light, for the launch of Barratt Homes’ Construction Academy. The scheme offers a wide range of educational programmes that aim to help young adults across the North East, which takes place at the charity’s home, the Beacon of Light, on Stadium Park in Sunderland.

As well as raising awareness of the diverse roles that are available within construction, the partnership between Barratt Developments North East and the Beacon of Light continues to create opportunities for talented young people, but now from a remote location. In addition to this, the Barratt Homes Construction Academy also continues to encourage participants to be proactive in their career development with the offering of further education such as apprenticeships with the housebuilder.

Carl Sobolewski, Managing Director of Barratt Developments North East, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to be supporting the Beacon of Light with the donation of essential equipment. With the pandemic changing how everybody works and learns, we’re grateful to be able to support young people across the North East and continue to help train the next generation of housebuilders.”

Jamie Wright, Foundation of Light Managing Director, commented: “We’re extremely grateful for the support from Barratt Developments North East. The way in which we, and young people, work and learn is changing drastically because of the pandemic and we need to adapt, which is why the computers that have been donated are essential in moving forward. We know this will be a huge help for the future generations of the construction industry developing right here in the heart of Sunderland.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kay James .