The FM contract company Mitie has marked the first anniversary of its charity, the Mitie Foundation, which helps unemployed people find work, at an event attended by Esther McVey, Minister for Employment, and Mitie’s Chief Executive Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE.
In the last 12 months the Mitie Foundation has found work for 38 unemployed people and supported careers events at more than 100 schools, championed by over 30 Mitie Foundation ambassadors. The FM firm set up the Mitie Foundation in April 2013 to bring together its community engagement activities – including the Real Apprentice scheme – and develop new programmes.
The Foundation focuses on creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to join the world of work, by raising aspirations and unlocking people’s potential through enhancing employability, inspiring young people and encouraging enterprise.
The event also saw the presentation of awards to several business partners who have made a contribution to developing the Foundation, including Placeability, RBS, SThree, and Working Knowledge. Four of the Mitie Foundation’s ambassadors were also recognised for volunteering their time and engaging with the programmes the Foundation supports.
Esther McVey, Minister for Employment, said: “Supporting young people to get their foot in the door and build a career for themselves is one of my key priorities.
“Already, the number of young people in jobs is going up and youth unemployment is dropping, but there is always more to do, which is why working in partnership with organisations like the Mitie Foundation is vital in helping to create jobs and supporting young people to fulfil their potential and secure their future.”
Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, Chief Executive of Mitie, said: “I’m delighted to be celebrating the first anniversary of the Mitie Foundation, and the considerable impact it has had over the past year. Its work aligns with Mitie’s founding philosophy of creating opportunity and helping people reach their full potential in the world of work.
“Businesses have a vital role to play in inspiring young people, broadening their career aspirations and providing opportunities for people of all backgrounds to succeed in the workplace. I’m excited about what the Mitie Foundation can achieve in this important area as it continues to grow and develop.”
