Connecting local schools with real workplace experiences, practical learning and supported pathways into the future.
Specialist believes businesses have an important role to play in helping young people understand the opportunities available to them.
Through STRIVE, we partner with local primary and secondary schools to give pupils meaningful exposure to the world of work.
By opening our doors and sharing the knowledge and experience of our teams, we help bridge the gap between education and industry – showing young people how the subjects and skills they are developing in school can connect to real career opportunities.
STRIVE gives pupils the chance to experience a working environment first-hand.
Through workplace visits, practical activities, employee engagement and real-world learning experiences, young people can explore different areas of the business and understand how departments and disciplines work together to deliver a finished project.
Our involvement also extends into schools, where members of our team share their own experiences, introduce pupils to different career pathways and help bring learning to life in a practical way.
The aim is not simply to introduce young people to construction and manufacturing.
It is to help broaden their understanding of what is possible.
That includes supporting young people who may need additional guidance as they move through school and towards future employment.
As part of this commitment, Specialist has supported Next Step Transitions, a local organisation helping autistic young people navigate key transitions throughout their school years and from school into further education, training or employment.
Our sponsorship over recent years has helped enable 100 hours of transition support, giving young people more structured guidance at an important stage in their development.
This sits naturally alongside STRIVE. Both are about access, confidence and clearer pathways into the future.
By building stronger relationships between schools, support organisations and industry, STRIVE allows Specialist to invest in the next generation while supporting the communities around us.
For us, future talent development begins long before someone enters the workplace.
By giving young people access to real experiences, real people, real support and real industry insight, STRIVE helps inspire curiosity, build confidence and show the next generation the possibilities ahead.
