RUCST and Parkgate join forces again...
Billy Smith (Parkgate) Jamie Noble and Mark Cummins (RUCST) join the young people at Parkgate who helped with the Annual Toy Appeal: Joe Homes, Jack Pitchford, Katie Mathews, Lesley Antcliffe, Luke Goulty , Mica Hardcastle, Sam Jones, Zak Hallsworth, Alix Dickens and Hussein Salem
With the acclaimed 3-year Parkgate Apprentice programme entering its final stages, ten young local hopefuls came to Parkgate with their Rotherham United Community Sports Trust (RUCST) mentors and showed exactly why they had been shortlisted for a possible life-changing opportunity.
Recognising that Parkgate is in the middle of its Annual Christmas Toy Appeal run in conjunction with the Council and Rother FM, the group jumped immediately into action to help Parkgate’s Operations Manager, Billy Smith carry recently donated toys to a safe storage base.
“I cannot say that I was surprised by the group’s initiative and generosity,” said Billy, adding: “Over the course of the 3-year programme I have come to admire the enthusiasm and commitment of these young people. They are quick to recognise the value of this experience, and the difference that it can make to their CVs as they seek employment.”
The success of the Parkgate Apprentice, sponsored by Parkgate’s owner, British Land, was recognised after its first year, when the initiative gained a coveted ‘Big Tick’ Award at the annual Business in the Community awards. Last year it gained ‘Re-accreditation’ at the same awards, emphasising the continuing commitment and success of organisers and participants.
Jamie Noble from RUCST explains: “As with any training programme we have been learning lessons and tweaking the content to make sure that participants gain the maximum benefit and we fully deliver the expectations of our sponsor. We will be selecting our 2014 Apprentice very shortly, but the nearly 200 young local people who have taken part in the scheme over the past 3 years can all be proud of their achievements.”
The 2014 Apprentice will follow in the footsteps of Mused Salem (2013) and Matt Burrows (2012).