Work is a key foundation of wellbeing.
South Yorkshire has a proud industrial heritage built from the power of steam. Inventions and improvement in manufacturing processes in the region played a key role in the industrial revolution which transformed the world, and we are once again the home of world class manufacturing.
North Star Science School
In December 2020, we welcomed over 2000 students from the South Yorkshire region to our first ever North Star Science School. A blended live and digital programme showcased the cutting edge of science and engineering, showing students to the fascinating range of opportunities a career in STEAM can offer.
Throughout the North Star event week, young people attended inspirational talks from leading scientists and engineers and engaged in interactive and creative activities delivered by our partners. Professor Brian Cox CBE joined us for the launch day, giving his own keynote lecture on ‘Space, Time and Black Holes’, before answering questions from the audience.
North Star is now creating a year-round programme to build practical links between world-class businesses and our partner schools in the South Yorkshire Region. The 2021 event will be taking place on November 24th at Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park Resort in Rotherham.
Social Value Business Accelerator
Well Rotherham aimed to increase entrepreneurial employment opportunities in the region. Using a strengths-based approach, we launched a start-up business accelerator to build upon our entrepreneurs’ existing strengths. To be eligible, each business needed to have a viable idea to improve social connectivity in their community.
From numerous applications, we selected 8 businesses to proceed through 12 weeks of intensive business coaching, culminating in a funding pitch event. The business which showed the greatest potential to increase social connectivity received a £10k business grant. Aaron Probert of Labre’s Hope was awarded this year’s grant.
Watch the business accelerator pitch event.
To learn more about either of these projects, read our end of project report.
