Bright Lights

Paddington Central celebrates success of their employment programme – Bright Lights

Paddington Central celebrates the success of its free skills and employment programme ‘Bright Lights’, which ran throughout November, helping to build key interview and communication of local people whilst providing them with work experience to support future employment.

The ‘Bright Lights’ programme, delivered in partnership with The Launch Group, provides local people in the Westminster area with high quality training, advice from industry experts and time with hiring managers to find out more about job roles currently available.

This year’s participants gained valuable experience through work placements at the campus in a variety of roles, from front of house reception to landscape and security positions.

Participants have also had access to continued specialist support from The Launch Group’s recruitment and training team, providing them with free one-to-one training and career advice to continue to build on their skills and prepare them for the future.

Since 2021, the programme has provided meaningful support to 47 local people with 27 participants going on to secure employment.

Paddington Central’s owner, British Land, funded the programme as part of its ongoing commitment to make long-lasting, positive social impact in the communities in which they operate.

‘Thriving Places’ – which is a key pillar of British Land’s Sustainability Strategy, ‘Greener Spaces, Thriving Places, Responsible Choices’ – focuses on three key areas: education, employment and affordable space. Investing in training professionals and connecting with local communities plays an essential role in the establishing responsible employment programmes.

Would you like to be involved in the next programme? If you’d like to understand how your business could benefit by employment opportunities within the local area, please contact Paddington Central’s Social Impact Manager Ndidi Okoye here.