Published: 21 March 2024

From: Employment and skills

Crawley Borough Council is supporting more than 1,100 students from five Crawley schools as part of Love Local Jobs Foundation’s Dare to Dream programme.

Dare to Dream is an inspirational programme created by the Love Local Jobs Foundation, a charity which supports the self-awareness, resilience, employability skills and wellbeing of young people.

The programme motivates young people and gives them vital life skills to prepare them for their future careers. It is currently giving 1,110 Year 9 students at The Gatwick School, Hazelwick School, Ifield Community College, Oriel High School and Thomas Bennett Community College workplace experiences and the skills and confidence to fulfil their potential.

The programme is split into four parts. Three include an inspirational assembly, mentoring and a workshop, while the fourth is a workplace visit to a partnering local business.

The programme lead is radio celebrity, Jack ‘the Lad’ Hayes, who is using his skills to engage with youth audiences and tell his own story.

The way Jack engages with every student in the hall is so impressive – students and staff alike really enjoy his assemblies. The students involved in the mentoring programme enjoy the activities, one-to-one sessions and they have had such a positive impact.

Nikki Baxter

Head of Personal Development

Thomas Bennett Community College

Dare to Dream goes from strength to strength. I’ve been lucky enough to see first-hand the enthusiasm from the students, presenters and mentors from business. I’m delighted that we continue to support this excellent programme.

Councillor Atif Nawaz

Cabinet member for Planning and Economic Development

Crawley Borough Council

The council has taken part in the Love Local Jobs Foundation’s initiatives for several years, supporting many thousands of Crawley students as part of its long-term commitment to the development of the skills and employment prospects of young people in Crawley.

For more details about Dare to Dream visit the Love Local Jobs Foundation.

tags: education, skills, employability, jobs