January 26, 2026

The Harrison Foundation is Helping Young People Take the Next Step Into Employment

Creating clear routes into employment and personal development is a key aim of the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility in Sunderland. Based at the Beacon of Light and delivered in partnership with the Foundation of Light, the Centre provides tailored guidance, education and support to help young people and adults build confidence, gain qualifications and move closer to work or further study.

One recent learner’s journey illustrates the impact of this personalised approach. At the age of 20, the learner had been receiving Universal Credit and was actively searching for work but struggling to secure employment. Although interviews were being offered, repeated rejection began to affect confidence. Self-esteem was low and frustration grew as each opportunity ended unsuccessfully.

The learner began working with the Foundation of Light employability team through the Harrison Centre in July. Initial sessions focused on rebuilding confidence and strengthening employability skills. One-to-one guidance covered interview techniques, communication skills and how to present strengths and experience effectively. These sessions were followed by mock interviews, allowing the learner to practise in a supportive environment and gain constructive feedback.

Alongside interview preparation, time was spent exploring career interests in more depth. Engineering and construction emerged as clear areas of interest and an apprenticeship route was identified as a realistic and motivating pathway. Working closely with their employability guidance coach, the learner researched the local job market and identified an Electronic Engineering Apprenticeship opportunity with Seaward in Peterlee.

The application process was completed together, ensuring the learner’s skills, experience and motivation were clearly communicated. This led to an interview invitation. With a stronger understanding of how to present themselves and what employers were looking for, the learner approached the interview with increased confidence. Afterwards, they reported feeling that it had gone well, a marked change from previous experiences. That confidence was rewarded when the learner secured the role and began their apprenticeship on 1 September 2025.

This individual success reflects the wider impact of the Harrison Centre Sunderland. In the most recent reporting period, the Centre supported more than 260 learners. Of those aged 16 to 18, over 85% progressed into employment, apprenticeships or further education. Among adult learners, more than half moved into a positive destination, with a high proportion sustaining employment beyond six months. These outcomes demonstrate how personalised guidance and consistent support can lead to long-term change.

Harrison Foundation trustee, Daniel Harrison MBE, said:

“This is exactly why the Harrison Centres exist. Many young people have the ability and motivation to succeed but need the right guidance at the right time to help them move forward. When confidence is rebuilt and support is shaped around the individual, the results can be life changing. Seeing learners progress into apprenticeships and employment shows the real value of this work.”

The Sunderland Centre was the first Harrison Centre for Social Mobility established by the Foundation in 2018 and remains a cornerstone of our long-term partnership with the Foundation of Light.