VEKA and Hameldon among top 50 in country for Business Class partnership
19th June 2012

VEKA and nearby Hameldon Community College have been selected as part of an online platform of just 50 case studies from across the UK that highlight the breadth, depth and innovation of Business in the Community.

The accolade comes from the Business in the Community (BITC) organisation, a unique programme that builds partnerships between local schools and businesses to help young people develop the skills, aspiration and motivation they need to succeed in the world of work.

Only 50 case studies have been selected, and the Burnley-based company and its local community college, Hameldon are thrilled with the recognition, as VEKA's Brand Manager Rebecca Mayhew explains: “It's fantastic that our project is one of just 50 to have been chosen. The students from Hameldon have done an excellent job of totally re-creating our apprenticeship brochure. It's a great achievement for both Hameldon and VEKA that our case study will be used to help demonstrate the best practice examples of Business Class partnerships for both schools and businesses all over the UK.”

VEKA and Hameldon teamed up last year when VEKA gave four Year 11 students at the college the task of re-designing its apprenticeship brochure. The media students started with a masterclass in language, design and marketing, and over the course of nine months, spent time with both VEKA's MD and staff, as well as its design agency, The Image Works, to learn how brochures and leaflets are put together and create one themselves: VEKA's new apprenticeship brochure, which is now being used by the company to support enquiries about apprenticeship opportunities.

The case studies will be launched in London as BITC holds its first national Business Class Symposium to celebrate the success of the programme.

VEKA is one of Burnley's largest employers and works closely with a number of groups from the local community, including schools and charities. You can find out more about VEKA's apprenticeship programmes by calling the HR department on 01282 725278 or emailing ukrecruitment@veka.com.

Rebecca Mayhew concludes: “Working with the students from Hameldon on this project was invaluable as it allowed us to have input from the audience that the brochure is aimed at. It was also great to work closely with students from our local community and see their confidence and skills grow over the duration of the project.”

www.vekauk.com