North East roofing specialist supports programmes for young people

Research shows that children and young people who participate in culture develop skills and behaviours that improve educational performance.  

North East Museums, manages twelve museums and galleries and delivers an award-winning programme of formal and informal learning activities focused on science, technology, engineering and maths, visual art and local heritage for pre-school to higher education.  

The museums and galleries engage over 108,000 children and young people in their learning programmes each year.  

Keith Merrin, Director of North East Museums, said: 

“We’re very grateful to Hodgson Sayers for their support and enthusiasm for our work with children and young people. Their sponsorship supports our commitment to social mobility - helping young people in our region gain the confidence, skills and experience to be the best that they can be.” 

John Sayers, Managing Director of Hodgson Sayers said: 

“As a company, we absolutely recognise the importance of developing young people and allowing them to flourish and achieve great things. Apprentices are the lifeblood of our business and ensuring we give them the very best platform to grow is the right thing to do. In the same way, Hodgson Sayers has its roots deep in the North East and for that reason we are very pleased to work alongside North East Museums to provide many other young people from the region with the chance to gain work experience at fabulous locations such as Stephenson Steam Railway, which I had the pleasure of visiting recently.” 

Founded in 1979 Hodgson Sayers is a specialist roofing, building maintenance and security products company with headquarters in Stanley, County Durham and a base in Nottingham.  

They have won a plethora of awards for the skills of their elite craftsmen and apprentices, have been listed as one of the fastest growing companies in the UK on three occasions and crowned national SME of the Year by the British Chambers of Commerce. 

The museum and gallery programmes for young people (aged 14-21yrs) that Hodgson Sayers are supporting include:  

Young volunteers - Young people can apply to volunteer at Stephenson Steam Railway and learn engineering skills to help run the heritage railway.  

Each year a new group of young people work with curators and artists to research and develop exhibitions and events at the Laing Art Gallery and Hatton Gallery.  

Work experience – the museums and galleries offer work experience for 14-18 year olds and target work placements at young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Careers fairs –the museums hold careers fairs inviting local businesses and schools to attend to introduce young people to a range of employment and education pathways.  

Student placements – the museums offer student placements and volunteering opportunities working with universities in the region. 

Find out more about Hodgson Sayers: https://hodgson-sayers.co.uk/