Celebrating Excellence: Worktree Annual Awards Evening 2024

We are thrilled to share the highlights from our recent Annual Awards and Drinks Evening, a celebration that marked another successful year of bridging the gap between education and employment in Milton Keynes.

For over three decades, Worktree has been transforming young people's career aspirations through meaningful connections with professionals. Since 1992, we've facilitated a remarkable 250,000 encounters between students and working professionals through our Career WorkOut sessions. Our guiding principle remains unchanged: "you can't be what you can't see."

An Evening of Recognition and Gratitude

The event was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and the dedication of our team:

• Venue Sponsor: MK:U Innovation Hub (Kristian Mackie)
• Drinks Sponsor: HCR Hewitsons (Lynne Adams)
• Event Photography: Jane Russell (Jane Russell Photography)
• Master of Ceremonies: Michelle Theuma (Concept Onyx Recruitment)

Inspiring Voices from Our Community

We were privileged to hear compelling testimonials about our work from diverse perspectives across our network:

• Cody Jackson (MK Youth Council)
• Claire Foden (Mears)
• Anna Bulman (Worktree Facilitator)
• Claire Coleman (Pluxee UK)
• Toluwani Adefeso (KPMG)
• Donna Montague (Walton High)
• Sarah Watt (Worktree Trustee)
• Chris Northway (Dentons)

Special Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to key supporters who continue to champion our mission:

• Iain Row (Prominent Media)
• Carole Bailey (Alba Consulting)
• Gemma Downing (Mixxos Group)
• Paula Seddon (University of Buckingham)
• Tom Bartlett
• Lauren Dazley and Kate Smith (Suez Recycling & Recovery Ltd)
• Tim Lee (Collab MK)

As we reflect on this wonderful evening, we are reminded of the powerful impact that comes from bringing together education and industry. Each connection made, each conversation shared, contributes to building a brighter future for the young people of Milton Keynes.

"What sets Worktree apart is our unwavering commitment to social justice. We recognize that many young people lack access to professional networks – a disadvantage that can limit their career aspirations and opportunities. " Tom Bulman, Worktree CEO

Tom Bulman, CEO of Worktree gave a powerful speech to all guests on the night, reminding us all of the impact in our mission. 'What sets Worktree apart is our unwavering commitment to social justice. We recognize that many young people lack access to professional networks – a disadvantage that can limit their career aspirations and opportunities. By facilitating meaningful connections between students and professionals, we're not just sharing career information; we're opening doors, building confidence, and showing young people the vast array of possibilities available to them."

Tom Bulman continues: "In a world where academic pressures often overshadow vital real-world experiences, we stand firm in our mission. By carefully nurturing relationships with educators and students alike, we create precious opportunities for young minds to connect with inspiring professionals beyond their immediate circles, opening doors to possibilities they never imagined."

Volkswagen take home our Large Company Award with an extraordinary commitment of 81 volunteer sessions throughout the year. In the Small Company category, Rochelle White secured first place with an impressive 26 sessions.

These numbers tell a powerful story - our volunteers aren't just showing up, they're deeply invested in strengthening their local communities. Their consistent dedication is making a real difference in preparing the next generation for success.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for all of our volunteers for their dedication. Your involvement, whether you attend one session or more, continues to create valuable opportunities for young people.

Our commitment to diversity and representation grows stronger each year. By actively increasing the proportion of young professionals and volunteers from diverse backgrounds, we ensure our sessions reflect the rich tapestry of modern workplace culture. This intentional approach makes our programs more relatable and inspiring for all young participants. And each year we look forward to celebrating the Worktree Volunteer community that make our work so powerful.

Large Company Winners

Celebrating our Outstanding Corporate Champions. Their commitment to mentoring the next generation shows that every hour given makes a meaningful difference in young lives. Thank you to all our corporate partners who continue to share their time and expertise:

Small Company Winners

Small companies are making big impact! We're inspired by these local businesses who carve out time from their busy schedules to share their expertise with Worktree students. Their dedication proves that passionate talented mentors come in all sizes:

As we celebrate our 2024 award winners, we're energized by the incredible impact our volunteers continue to make. Every connection forged between professionals and students opens new doors of possibility for young people in our community.

This is just the beginning - there are so many more inspiring volunteer stories to share as we continue through the academic year. Together, we're building a bridge between today's professionals and tomorrow's workforce.

Congratulations to all our 2024 winners, and heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who has made this year's achievements possible. Your commitment to nurturing young talent is transforming futures. Here's to many more meaningful connections ahead!

If you or your team would like to be involved in volunteering or sponsoring our sessions, please check out our website: worktree.org for events or email [email protected] for more information.

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