Gentoo

The Merrill Lynch Education Award: recognising company community programmes that raise the achievement of young people through building sustainable partnerships with schools to the benefit of pupils aged 5-19 years in the UK.

Award Winner : Gentoo

Gentoo is a provider of social housing and properties for sale and rent in Sunderland. As part of their community investment they have worked with the Local Authority and Skills for Health to develop Pupils First – a project aimed at getting all young people in Sunderland to attend schools to meet minimum standards of education. The project works with five schools to raise pupils’ awareness of the world of work, improve motivation, raise aspirations and give them practical skills and qualifications to increase their employment prospects.

Last academic year, 47 year 10 pupils joined the two year extended accredited work placement scheme. These pupils spend one afternoon each week with a work based mentor from Gentoo who guides, supports and monitors their progress. Over 250 Gentoo staff have delivered work related learning to thousands of pupils in Sunderland.

"Gentoo’s ‘can-do’ attitude is delivering real results for the pupils they work with. Pupils First shows that entering industry isn’t the easy option, it’s something that needs hard work from day one. They are realistic about the challenges they face and are working hard to effectively support the schools they work with."