Target Fire Protection participate in the Skills For Life Programme

Target Fire Protection’s Director Richard Harris recently participated in the Skills For Life Programme organised by Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Development agency and M&G . This is a mentorship scheme for year 10 pupils helping students build valuable life skills and confidence.

The Skills for Life program in Rochdale, which was run by The Talent Foundry and funded by M&G plc, was a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing the potential of Year 10 students from various schools in the area. It provided these students with access to a wide range of opportunities, resources, and mentorship support to help them realise their aspirations and develop essential skills for future success.

At its core, The Talent Foundry’s program sought to address the diverse needs of young learners by offering a holistic approach to education and personal development. Through a series of workshops and experiential learning activities, students were exposed to a variety of subjects, disciplines, and career pathways beyond the traditional curriculum.

One of the key components of the program was its mentorship scheme, which brought together participating students with a variety of mentors like Richard Harris the owner of local business Target Fire Protection. These mentors played a pivotal role in providing guidance, encouragement, and practical advice to their mentees as they navigated the challenges of adolescence and explored their interests and ambitions.

The mentorship scheme was designed to foster meaningful relationships between mentors and mentees, allowing for personalised support and tailored guidance based on the individual needs and goals of each student. Mentors like Richard served as positive role models and sources of inspiration, helping students build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and set achievable goals for their future.

In addition to mentorship, the program offered a range of enrichment activities aimed at broadening students’ horizons and expanding their skill sets. These activities included hands-on workshops, mock interviews, career exploration sessions and networking opportunities with professionals from various industries.

By participating in the Skills for Life program, students gained invaluable experiences, insights, and connections that would not only enhance their academic performance but also equip them with the tools and confidence to pursue their passions and aspirations beyond school.

One student said: “I am a lot less stressed about my future and I am more secure about what to do and how to go about it”, while another stated that “It’s helped me be a more confident communicator.” Students agreed that the program will benefit them in their future, with one student stating: “I feel like the vocabulary being used in my interviews has improved and feels more professional”, while others talked of the impact on their perception of themselves and their attitude to learning: “I am more positive towards myself and I am more confident to talk to other people. Also I have learned to focus on my school work.”

Cate Smith, Head of Programmes and Partnerships at The Talent Foundry said: “The Skills for Life Rochdale initiative would not have been possible without the generous support of M&G plc, and the time dedicated by Rochdale-based mentors representing a range of industries and sectors. We hope to run this program again next year, and are keen to hear from schools and businesses who would like to get involved.”

Overall, the Talent Foundry program in Rochdale was a transformative initiative that empowered Year 10 students to unlock their full potential, explore new opportunities, and aspire to greatness with the support of dedicated mentors like Richard Harris. It exemplified the power of mentorship, experiential learning, and community engagement in shaping the future leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

Here is a quote from a student who participated in the programme:

“This project has allowed me to overcome the challenges I felt made it more difficult to establish a good future for myself”

If you have any questions or know of a mentor who may be interested in helping the students at a future event please contact Cate Smith at cate.smith@talentfoundry.org.uk