The Stephen Longfellow Academy formed a relationship with a local business called The Boot Repair Company, with the main aim of promoting Manufacturing careers across the school.
Students in Year 9 and 10 were given the opportunity to visit the main factory workshop in Hunslet, where high end shoes and army boots are professionally repaired. Students were able to learn about the processes involved in repair and learn how the business operates. This visit was a positive experience for students, who enjoyed the visit and learned about the workplace environment and the skills needed to work for the employer.
Due to the strong links created between The Stephen Longfellow Academy and The Boot Repair Company, our Year 11 students were offered the amazing opportunity to apply to a range of apprenticeships. The apprenticeships ranged from manufacturing at the Boot Repair Company in Hunslet to engraving and warehouse/logistics at their sister company, Charles Birch in Holbeck.
Interested Year 11 students were taken on a tour of both companies, The Boot Repair Company and Charles Birch across June and early July. In total, 7 students were interested in the apprenticeship vacancies. Students were then supported to apply and attend interviews. 4 students have now been successful with interviews and gained apprenticeships in the following areas:
- 2 in Manufacturing, Boot Repair Company (Hunslet)
- 1 in Engraving, Charles Birch (Holbeck)
- 1 in Warehouse and Logistics, Charles Birch (Holbeck)
We are proud of our partnership with the Boot Repair Company and Charles Birch, which has led to our students gaining apprenticeships for September 2024. This relationship has helped students’ progress into positive, life changing post 16 destinations.