In a bid to foster curiosity about careers in housing and offer hands-on experiences, Great Places Housing Group, in collaboration with Sure Maintenance and Bowker Sadler, hosted an engaging event on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024. The event was tailored for Year 5 children aged 9-10 from Manor Park Primary School in Knutsford.
Building on the success of the Raising Aspirations Project in the academic year 22/23, Great Places Housing Group is excited to announce the continuation of its partnership with Manor Park Primary School in the Longridge and Shaw Heath neighbourhood. This initiative is designed to inspire and encourage young students while introducing them to various career paths, fostering a sense of community, and promoting financial resilience.
The event, attended by students, showcased the commitment of Great Places Housing Group, Sure Maintenance, and Bowker Sadler to community engagement and positive relationships between businesses and schools. Various departments of Great Places actively participated, contributing to the success of the day.
Throughout the event, students participated in a series of challenges and activities offering insights into the housing industry. Activities ranged from using facilities equipment and testing infrared thermometers to trying on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), exploring antisocial behaviour and its implications, and even filming interviews in the podcast room.
The Raising Aspirations Project is set to extend throughout the academic year, with additional workplace visits planned to local businesses such as Amelia Knight, Manchester Airport, and a university. These experiences aim to broaden students’ horizons, provide essential skills, and enhance their understanding of diverse career opportunities.
Great Places Housing Group is pleased to share the impact report of the Raising Aspirations Project 22/23, which demonstrated remarkable outcomes. The collaboration with Manor Park Primary School resulted in a 44% improvement in students’ self-assessment scores, indicating increased self-awareness, positive mindset, resilience, and knowledge and understanding.
Teachers at Manor Park Primary School, Mrs. Smith and Ms. Bisson, commented, “All of the children in Year 5 had an amazing morning exploring different skills and jobs. They were so engaged, excited, and keen to learn about the world of work and all the opportunities available to them.”
Rebecca Banks, Community and Partnerships Manager at Great Places, expressed her thoughts on the project, saying, “As we witness the ongoing success of the Raising Aspirations Project, we’re profoundly encouraged by the positive impact it has on the children of Manor Park Primary School. The dedication of the students, coupled with the collaborative efforts of Great Places Housing Group and our community partners, reflects our commitment to nurturing not just academic growth but also the essential life skills and resilience needed for a bright future. We are grateful for the support we’ve received and excited to continue building on these achievements in the coming year.”
