New school engagement programme launched at Paradise

Paradise development manager MEPC has launched Paradise Unlocked, a flagship event for young people in partnership with Ahead Partnership, specialists in social value solutions.

Ahead Partnership has been appointed to lead the school engagement programme at Paradise and the event was a full day designed to introduce young people to Paradise and its occupiers with a focus on life skills, careers, sustainability, the future of work, wellbeing and the workplace.

Forty-one year 9 students from three Birmingham schools participated in workshops, design sprints, orienteering challenges, and networking sessions to build people skills and confidence.

Workshops covered various topics from lifestyle and financial planning to practical and technological skills.

Businesses at Paradise, including Albert’s Schloss, Arup, AtkinsRéalis, F1® Arcade, Goldman Sachs, JLL, and Mills & Reeve, hosted visits and speed networking sessions to discuss career paths.

Ross Fittall, commercial development director at Paradise Birmingham developer and asset manager, MEPC, said: “Welcoming forty-one Year 9 students from local schools to the estate today underlines our mission of reaching out and having an impact on the communities around us. Engaging with the education sector is an important part of what we do all year round and we are looking forward to working closely with the Ahead Partnership to drive forward our engagement programme with these
schools over the next few years as they continue their path through the education system and consider what career they wish to pursue.

“The hard work put in by the students has really shone through this event and has helped make the day such a success for all involved. We have learned from the students as well as them hopefully learning from us – it’s always a two-way street when it comes to sharing ideas and listening to people’s views about the estate and its future.”