WISBECH based Foster Property Maintenance has taken party in a work placement scheme alongside Barnardo’s charity, offering a 12-week work placement to 21-year-old Richard Atkinson.

Richard turned his hand to labouring and various trades while he was with the company, working in Grantham.

Barnardo’s has been delivering work preparation and work experience programmes for the last 18 months in the Lincolnshire area to support young people who are leaving care, to give them a chance to learn employability skills and the world of work.

When Barnardo’s Leaving Care approached Foster Property Maintenance about taking part in the scheme, the company had no hesitation in getting involved.

Tim Drake, FPM contracts manager, said: “The placement has gone very well, so much so that we couldn’t believe when it was Richard’s last week. He is flexible, a hard worker and has been great to have around.”

“This highlights how local companies and organisations can work together collaboratively to employ young people to transform empty properties. Working through charities is an arrangement that proves to be mutually beneficial for both employer and employee. It is a healthy exchange that meets the needs of both local community and businesses.”

Sue Unwin from Barnardo’s said: “I’m delighted Richard’s work placement was so successful and I’m thrilled about how much Richard has achieved. It really is a win-win situation, giving vulnerable unemployed young people the opportunity to shine and to develop their employability skills.”