Newcastle United Foundation Careers Hub has supported more than 1,000 young people since opening less than a year ago in Gateshead’s Metrocentre.
Offering an inspirational and inclusive space for young people to explore employment opportunities, receive career advice and develop workplace skills, the Careers Hub operates in a partnership between the Foundation and Metrocentre.
Within 10 months of opening, 1,000 students from primary and secondary schools and college groups from across the North East have enjoyed sessions and workshops in the Careers Hub, including CV writing and job interview support and site visits to businesses within the shopping centre for leisure and dining.
Retailers within Metrocentre that have hosted students accessing the Careers Hub including Apple, The Entertainer, Grounded Kitchen, Metrocentre Environmental Services and Marketing teams, Nando’s, Primark and Wagamama, allowing young people to explore a range of roles available to them in future.
Rebecca Hiles, project coordinator at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Engaging and inspiring 1,000 students is a huge milestone for us to reach in just under one year since opening our Careers Hub within the Metrocentre.
“Every single young person who comes through our doors is given the opportunity, support and confidence to explore future career options in a way that suits them. Engagement can be workshops, talks from employers about their own career journeys or site visits to retailers within the centre.
“It has been a pleasure to meet and work with so many young people – their enthusiasm and feedback has been fantastic so far and we are looking forward to welcoming many more to the Careers Hub.”
Gavin Prior, Metrocentre centre director commented: “We are committed to giving back to the community we live and work in, and investing in employability initiatives like this is a key part of our strategy. This is a fantastic achievement in such a short time, and we are delighted to see the Careers Hub making a tangible difference.”
Students and teaching staff alike have overwhelmingly positive experiences while using the Careers Hub, with 95% of students agreeing Careers Hub staff were supportive and helpful and 92% of students said they would like to visit the Careers Hub again.
A celebratory event was held in December 2023 to launch the Careers Hub within the Metrocentre Community Hub in the Upper Green Mall.
The Careers Hub is open weekdays between 9am and 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend opening hours. Opening times are displayed on-site and are updated weekly.
