Sussex-based technology manufacturer Paxton is participating in the Dare to Dream mentoring programme for the second year running.

The company will be teaming up with local secondary schools.

This year 10 new mentors from Paxton will be pairing up with 30 students from Patcham High School in Brighton and Willingdon Community School in Eastbourne.

Dare to Dream is an initiative organised by the LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C. They pair up volunteer mentors from businesses with Year 9 students aged 13 to 14.

This gives teenagers an opportunity to speak to adults who are not their teachers or parents, about the future of the often-daunting world of work.

The programme aims to challenge and inspire young people to change the way they think and help them build confidence in setting big life goals with inspirational assemblies delivered to Year 9 and then additional support of workshops and mentoring for the 30 students working with Paxton.

The company said that it did not want to see its participation as a one-off.

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Kate Hotson, Projects and Events Manager at Paxton, said: “It was great to be a part of such a brilliant programme last year. The Paxton mentors really enjoyed the experience and felt like they bonded well with the students.”

With positive experience and impact with Dare to Dream, Paxton decided to participate again.

Kate explains: “We did not want to join the programme as a one off because we believe that to make real change and a difference within our local communities, we need to consistently reach out and offer support. We hope to work with LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C and Sussex students for many years to come.”

Jack Hayes, Head of Programme Delivery at LoveLocalJobs Foundation C.I.C, is pleased to be working with Paxton again for the second year running. He said: “Paxton really understands the purpose of the Dare to Dream programme and the messages we try to deliver.”

“The Paxton mentors are so friendly and engaged with the students and programme content. I am excited for the students to visit Paxton’s stunning headquarters, Technology Centre and manufacturing facilities in Brighton and Eastbourne.”

This is the second year in a row Paxton mentors are to be partnered up with students from Patcham High School.

Mike Newman, Deputy Head at Patcham High School, explains: “Working with Paxton last year was a real treat for us as a school and the Year 9 students. Paxton are consistently professional, obliging, and friendly.

“We have been incredibly grateful to be paired with such an innovative, community spirited and caring company.

“The Paxton mentors are really committed and inspire our students no end, simply by listening and being incredibly supportive.”

With previous experience, Paxton expands their participation this year by including their Eastbourne manufacturing facility, partnering up with students from Willingdon Community School.

Kate said: “When planning to participate for the second year, we felt it would be great to give our manufacturing team in Eastbourne the opportunity to reach out to their community and help a school that is local to them.”

Alison Borrell, Director of Learning for Technology and Enterprise, Associate Assistant Head at Willingdon Community School, said: “We aim to prepare our students for the careers of tomorrow and raise aspirations for jobs in the STEM sector.

“Working with Paxton will enable our students to gain a valuable insight into the different employability skills and careers that a forward-thinking worldwide manufacturer can offer.

“Taking part in the Dare to Dream programme will help our students develop this self-belief and enhance the qualities that will enable them to be more successful both at school and in later life.”