Mondelēz International gives GCSE students a taste of work

PUPILS from The ACE Academy in Tipton recently attended a ‘Taste of Work’ session at Mondelēz International to learn more about career options.

A group of GCSE students from academy attended an interactive session to learn more about the career options available in the food technology industry.

Hosted by global snack provider Mondelēz International – the parent company of Birmingham’s Cadbury’s – the group were invited to the research, development & quality centre at the Bournville site to get a glimpse of its ‘innovation kitchen’, and learn more about the product development process.

During their visit, the students also designed their own chocolate product and presented their creations to fellow students – all of which proved useful towards their food technology qualification, which focuses on product development, packaging and labelling.

Martyn Robinson, a scientist who volunteered to deliver the session alongside his colleagues, said: “It was great to welcome the students from The ACE Academy.

“They were really amazed to see our working environment, learn about our career paths and see how the STEM subjects they are studying relate to our roles and how important they are to our industry.”

Funded by The Cadbury Foundation since 2007, Taste of Work aims to raise awareness and inspire young people about the food and drink industry and the career opportunities within the sector.

Children’s hospital floored by charity gesture

PATIENTS and Staff at Birmingham Children’s Hospital are to benefit from an appeal to award 40 Free Floors for 40 Good Causes, spearheaded by flooring specialist Karndean Designflooring.

The hospital was chosen to receive a free floor as part of the company’s 40th anniversary campaign.

Evesham-based Karndean donated 100 sq m of Opus Primo and Art Select Sundown Oak in the main entrance and corridor areas.

Amanda Baugh associate clinical director Next Generation, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, said: “We already had plans to refurbish the main entrance but funds were tight.  It’s a vital area where we meet with families to plan the children’s care to enable them to return home.

“The funds saved will enable us to further develop our front entrance, adding distractions for children and additional rest areas for families.”

City firms enter Morrisons Great Birmingham 10K Business Challenge

PROPERTY owner Bruntwood and law firm Mills & Reeve have entered teams in the first ever Morrisons Great Birmingham 10k on Sunday 3rd May.

The Bruntwood team of seven includes four strong runners, all aiming for times of under 40 minutes.

Team coordinator Philip Stephenson said: “When we heard about the Great Birmingham 10k we thought that this would be an ideal opportunity for our Birmingham team to put their running prowess to the test and raise some money along the way.”

Bruntwood, which owns and manages over 140 properties across four UK cities including Birmingham, has its own charity, The Bruntwood Charity.

All money raised by The Bruntwood Charity is  divided up between the regional offices’ designated charities, which in Birmingham is Whizz-Kidz, a charity which helps disabled children throughout the UK, and supports them so that they can grow into independent young adults.

A team of 36 runners from the Birmingham office of law firm Mills & Reeve will also take on the 10k challenge.

Running in aid of Birmingham Crisis Centre, the team includes a wide range of abilities, with partners to office juniors all pulling on their running shoes.

Trainee solicitor Phil Hutchinson, who is coordinating the team, said: “This is an office-wide effort; a few of my team had expressed an interest in running, and we decided to try and get as many people as possible involved.”

Warwickshire County Cricket Club teams up with Fisher House

WARWICKSHIRE County Cricket Club is teaming up with official charity partner Fisher House UK to raise valuable funds and give an introduction to cricket at its free Community Open Day at Edgbaston Stadium.

Staged on Saturday 16 May, guests will have the chance to meet the players, lift the NatWest T20 Blast trophy and take part in a range of cricketing activities at Edgbaston.

Inspired by the partnership with Fisher House UK there will also be a military assault course, a rifle range, meet the Royal Marines, many different stalls and much more.

The afternoon’s entertainment concludes with a Twenty20 match between a Warwickshire Legends team and the Combined UK Armed Forces XI, with the match ball being parachuted in by the world renowned Red Devils display team.

Martyn Dobson, community development manager at Warwickshire CCC, said: “Through the Community Open Day and other fundraising activities, the club raised more than £10,000 last year, which helps fund a room at Fisher House UK for 12 months.

“Last year’s inaugural Open Day was a fantastic family day out, which more than 4,000 people attended. We’re hoping it will be an even bigger event this year and raise more funds for this great charity.”

Based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Fisher House UK provides free accommodation to the families of military patients who are being cared for at the hospital, with one of the rooms named as the Edgbaston Room, in recognition of the club’s support for the charity.