Community Projects for our trainees form an integral part of our company training programmes in the UK. They offer our newest employees the opportunity to develop their personal, team and project management skills whilst making a positive contribution in the community. Groups of three to eight trainees are challenged to meet the business requirements of one of our key community partners. Their Rolls-Royce business sponsor provides a small budget and a mentor to advise the trainees throughout the period of their project.
During 2002, 50 trainees took part in 10 Community Projects, spending an average of 500 hours on each project.
The Enthusiasm community project took its name from a Derby-based organisation working with young people in a disadvantaged area close to our biggest site. The challenge for our trainees was to produce a manual, based on Enthusiasm’s experience and success, which could be sold to other groups seeking to have an impact on their local youth community.
Using the London Benchmarking Group’s model we estimate that: the initial budget of £500 was supplemented by more than £8,000 of other in-kind support, and generated benefits to the community in excess of £160,000.
London Benchmarking Group model
Business benefits
– Developmental experience for five employees.
– Improved community links in area bordering our largest site.
– Enhanced positive profile of Rolls-Royce.
Community benefits
– Created a brand and image for Enthusiasm.
– Enthusiasm project is sustainable and replicable in other areas.
– Helped to build self-esteem of 15 young people directly involved in the project. |
Every year all our community project teams present their programmes to a panel of senior internal and external judges. The Enthusiasm Team was rewarded with our highest accolade, winning the Rolls-Royce Chairman’s Award for Community Projects in 2002. |
Project Compass Ex Services READY to WORK programme
It is estimated that one in four homeless people in the UK is a former member of the Armed Forces. A small but significant number find it difficult to make a successful transition to civilian life and become homeless. Most have the potential for employment but may face other issues which can prevent them from entering the job market.
Recognising the natural link to our Defence business, we supported the first year of this programme which is run by the UK Ministry of Defence Veterans Agency, Business Action on Homelessness and Training for Life. The project enabled homeless ex-service people in London to take up three week training programmes and work placements.
‘Through its financial support and active membership of the steering group, Rolls-Royce has been instrumental in the success of this project.’
Patrick Lyster-Todd, Business Action on Homelessness.
The pilot programme is now being rolled out on a national basis. |
