VolkerFitzpatrick strengthens partnership with Raleigh International
VolkerFitzpatrick has renewed its partnership with sustainable development charity Raleigh International. Following a successful first year working together, in which four VolkerFitzpatrick employees volunteered on Raleigh programmes as Project Managers, the engineering and construction firm has decided to widen the impact of the initiative during 2016.
VolkerFitzpatrick will provide vital funding for a sustainable development project to improve access to primary education in Costa Rica’s Alto Chirripó indigenous territory. The company is also giving three employees aged 18-24 the opportunity to volunteer with Raleigh on the project. Through the programme they will develop leadership, teamwork skills and cross-cultural learning.
By both funding the project and sending its own employees as Volunteers to deliver the project, the partnership also means that it has increased focus on VolkerFitzpatrick’s core business of construction.
Jonathan Suckling, Commercial Director at VolkerFitzpatrick, said of the partnership: “VolkerFitzpatrick is very pleased to continue the partnership with Raleigh International. This relationship cements our vision of inspiring young people to drive sustainable development. After an internal application process, we have selected three of our young professionals to help build the project in Costa Rica to make a real difference. It will also enable them to make use and improve on their core business strengths, technical knowledge and behavioural skills to support the sustainable development.”
James Sutton at Raleigh International is very pleased to renew the partnership: “We hold our relationship with VolkerFitzpatrick in special regard. They have recognised the unique opportunity that Raleigh can offer companies; not only to fund a project but also being able to send their own employees to work on it. In turn, they will develop their soft skills, become young leaders, and bring that spirit back to the business, furthering their belief as a company that understands and contributes to global issues.”
The VolkerFitzpatrick volunteers depart from the UK on 8 July. The project will take place throughout July and August.