A RECYCLING firm has teamed up with a neighbouring school to help students with learning difficulties prepare for working life.
J&B Recycling recently set up a business link with Catcote Academy.
The Hartlepool-based firm is supplying wooden pallets to the school to help students taking part in a social enterprise scheme which will see the wood transformed into furniture.
J&B Recycling’s drivers are delivering 40 pallets at a time to a workshop based at Hart Farm where the students carry out their handywork.
Amanda Metcalf, who is responsible for the sixth form at the Catcote Road school, said: “This is all part of our post-16 study programme where the students learn about life skills and employability as well as entrepreneurship and work skills.
“During this project they will build garden furniture, work individually and as a team, sharing ideas and helping each other, just as they would in a working environment.
“We are extremely grateful to Vikki and the team at J&B Recycling for their help and support, and we look forward to strengthening that relationship in the future.”
Vikki said: “It is very important for us to have good relationships with the local community, and we are delighted to have forged this link with Catcote Academy.
Future plans between J&B Recycling and Catcote Academy include the creation of supported internships to help students get a feel for a working environment.
Jackie McGarry, Information Advice and Guidance officer at Catcote Academy, added: “To be involved with a business such as J&B Recycling is fantastic for our students.
“We are looking forward to working in partnership, to increase opportunities for work experience and supported internships for our students, enabling them to gain invaluable work skills, increase confidence and prepare them for sustained employment in the future.”
J&B Recycling handles approximately 120,000 tonnes of waste each year from household, commercial, industrial and construction sources with customers including Nifco UK, Camerons Brewery and hundreds of community buildings, pubs and restaurants throughout the North East and beyond.