Skillz CIC, a Selby-based community interest company, has launched a new mentoring programme funded by the Drax Foundation aimed at helping young people build confidence, develop vital employability skills and feel better prepared as they begin to explore their future pathways.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with Selby High School, Goole Academy and Sherburn High School, supporting Year 9 students identified by their schools as those who would benefit from additional guidance at this key stage in their education.
The ten-week programme consists of ten interactive, one-hour sessions covering a wide range of personal and professional development topics. These include CV writing, interview skills, exploring career and education pathways, resilience, emotional wellbeing and building self-belief. Together, the sessions are designed to help students feel more confident, capable and supported as they start thinking about life beyond school.
Anna Thomas, who is Head of Workplace and the Drax Power Station Estate, took part in the mentoring programme alongside her role as an Education Ambassador for the Drax Community team.
“I would definitely recommend the programme to anyone thinking of becoming a mentor. It’s challenging, fun and you can definitely see the difference with the kids as they progress through the programme. I’m proud to have been a small part of the whole process”, she said.
A total of 17 Drax Education Ambassadors have volunteered their time to support the programme, offering students first-hand insight into the world of work. By sharing their own experiences and career journeys, the ambassadors provide relatable role models and practical guidance across a variety of sectors.
Sam Suttle, Director of SKILLZ CIC said:
“Thanks to the Drax Foundation’s support, we’ve been able to deliver this mentoring programme directly in schools and completely free of charge. We’re already seeing positive changes in students’ confidence, behaviour and attitudes towards their future. This programme is about helping young people realise their potential and giving them the tools to take their next steps with confidence.”
Nick Robinson, Drax Community Manager, said:
“We know that early intervention and positive role models can make a huge difference to young people’s lives. Our Education Ambassadors have been incredibly committed, bringing real-world experience into the classroom and helping students see what’s possible for them. It’s inspiring to see the impact this programme is already having, and we’re proud to support Skillz CIC in expanding it even further.”
Following the success of the initial cohort, a Spring programme is already planned. With even more Drax Education Ambassadors expected to take part, Skillz CIC aims to reach and support a greater number of young people across the local area, continuing to build confidence, aspiration and opportunity within the community.
ENDS
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Kieran Wilson
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About Drax
Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.
Our operations
Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.
We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.
Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is a leading integrated producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.
Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.
