Gateshead Metrocentre welcomes new Newcastle United Foundation careers hub

Newcastle United Foundation has partnered with Gateshead’s Metrocentre to establish an ‘innovative’ Careers Hub which was launched at a special event attended by centre founder and former Newcastle United Football Club chairman Sir John Hall.

Now open in Metrocentre’s Upper Green Mall, the Careers Hub, operated by Newcastle United Foundation, will provide an ‘inspirational and inclusive’ space for young people to explore employment opportunities, receive career advice and support in developing workplace skills.

A celebratory event to launch the Careers Hub saw Sir John officially open the site within the Metrocentre Community Hub alongside guests including Ian Burns, Service Director at Gateshead Council, Metrocentre retailers and senior management and staff from Metrocentre and Newcastle United Foundation.

Hazel, one young person already supported into employment by the Foundation’s dedicated careers team also shared her journey into the world of work after joining free employability programmes organised by the charity.

Sir John commented: “I was delighted to open the Careers Hub at the Metrocentre, the latest initiative of the Foundation. Being part of the community was always my dream, the community here gives so much of their life to Newcastle United. I applaud the ambitions of the Foundation and wish them every success in their future ventures.”

Sir John has intrinsic links to both Metrocentre and Newcastle United Foundation, founding the Gateshead shopping and leisure complex which opened in 1986.

As former Newcastle United chairman and shareholder, Sir John was among the first donors providing vital funding to establish a charitable arm of the Club with the Foundation launched in 2008 with three members of staff.

Since then, the Foundation has expanded significantly and now supports more than 69,800 people annually with 240 staff working across the North East through education, personal development, and health and wellbeing programmes.

Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation CEO, added: “Sir John had a vision for the region and laid the foundations for our charity to deliver life-changing opportunities for North East people. Our Careers Hub is our latest commitment towards our vision of inspiring, connecting and collaborating to enhance people’s lives.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to provide more support for people and businesses across the region as part of our developing hub and spoke model and we are thrilled to have our Careers Hub base at such a fantastic venue within Metrocentre.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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