Empowering Local Students to Dare to Dream:

This is the Dare to dream logo. The aim of the Dare to Dream programme changing the way young people think about themselves, their futures and their place in the world

Carpenter Box, recently partnered with Durrington High School to bring forth an empowering employability programme called Dare to Dream. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Love Local Jobs Foundation and Adur and Worthing Councils, aimed to equip local students with the skills, confidence, and mindset necessary to thrive in the professional world. Through a series of workshops and inspiring assemblies, Carpenter Box mentors provided invaluable guidance on self-awareness, resilience, teamwork, and employability to over 300 year 10 pupils.

Carpenter Box’s Employability Workshops

Understanding the crucial shift from education to employment, Carpenter Box’s committed mentors offered practical advice. Through mentoring sessions, they supported students’ personal and professional growth.

This is a photo of Hayden Winters, Senior Cloud and Digital Solutions Manager BSG. He was one of the Dare to Dream mentors.

The workshops focused on cultivating a positive mindset, building resilience, and fostering essential employability skills. You can hear more about the mentors’ thoughts below.

Hayden highlighted the impact of the programme:

“The Dare to Dream programme was really useful… being able to give back to the kids at Durrington… some wisdom and advice… has been really helpful and good to pass on”

Hayden Winters – Senior Cloud and Digital Solutions Manager, BSG

A Century of Service to the Community

Celebrating a remarkable 100 years of providing exceptional accounting and finance services to local businesses and individuals. Carpenter Box has always prioritised giving back to the community.

This is a photo of Mike Burgess he is Senior Manager in the OFF team. He was one of the Dare to Dream mentors.

As part of its commitment to the community, the firm engaged in various charitable initiatives, including the Dare to Dream programme.

Mike emphasised the importance of the programme in understanding the challenges students face:

“An understanding of where schools are nowadays was my biggest gain from it… There’s a lot of pressure for them to actually pass those exams because if they don’t pass the exams, there’s nothing else almost in their minds after that.”

Mike Burgess – Senior Manager, OFF team

Inspiration from Industry Experts

This is a photo of Angela Norris she is a  Senior Manager in the BSG. She was one of the Dare to Dream mentors.

Adding an extra layer of motivation and inspiration to the workshops, the students had the privilege of hearing from renowned speaker Jack Hayes, a familiar voice from Heart FM and More Radio. Jack shared his personal experiences and stories, offering valuable insights into overcoming challenges and pursuing dreams.

Angela highlighted the impact of Jack’s assemblies:

“Jack’s message was people employ people, and I think the most important thing to remember is just being a good person and being kind is what’s most important.”

Angela Norris – Senior Manager, BSG

Building a brighter future together

Carpenter Box’s Dare to Dream programme showcases its commitment to building a brighter future. By equipping young individuals with vital employability skills and empowering them to dream big, they aim to create a ripple effect of positive change in the local community.

This is a photo of Sharna Challenger a Trainee in AAG. She was one of the Dare to Dream mentors.

Sharna expressed her satisfaction with the programme:

“I enjoyed participating in Dare to Dream because it felt good being able to help others using my own experiences and seeing their confidence about their own abilities and their potential growth throughout the programme.”

Sharna Challenger – Audit Senior, AAG

Preparing Students for Success

In partnership with the Love Local Jobs Foundation, Adur and Worthing Councils, and Carpenter Box, the Dare to Dream programme positively influences Durrington High School students. This collaboration fosters lasting impacts on their lives. Through the series of workshops and inspirational assemblies, the mentors not only shared their expertise in accounting and finance but also instilled essential employability skills to the year 10 pupils who took part. As Carpenter Box marks its centenary, our dedication to community support is evident in initiatives like the Dare to Dream programme.

We aim to empower young individuals with confidence, self-awareness, resilience, and teamwork. Carpenter Box aims to create positive change and help build a promising career future for these students.

Chloe also added:

“It was truly inspiring to see these young minds grow and develop throughout the programme. Their enthusiasm and dedication were contagious, and I’m proud to have been part of their journey towards success.”

Chloe Day – Manager, AAG

We wish all the best to the year 10 pupils at Durrington High School. Good luck in all your future endeavours!