West Ealing-based Light Foundations which provides support and mentorship across west London to people to get work and who are disadvantaged has been recognised for its contribution to helping people by the Princess Royal Training Awards which are delivered by the City & Guilds Foundation
Light Foundations, which celebrates its 10th birthday this year, is one of 46 organisations to get an award which also included high street brands such as Caffe Nero and pub chain Greene King being recognised by the organisation of which HRH Anne, The Princess Royal is the president of The City and Guilds of London Institute.
It won in the category Supporting employees’ personal development journeys.
In its award recognition, the organisation is described as:
“Light Foundations aims to enhance individual personal and professional development through training, support and mentorship. After identifying an opportunity to assist local people in finding employment, the organisation established a programme to develop the skills and work experience of ten new employees and enhance future employability. 70% of staff have now secured full time sustainable employment, with 30% still on the programme.”
Esther Chimfwembe, director of Light Foundations told EALING.NEWS “I am very humbled that our organisation has received this Princess Royal Training Award by the City & Guilds Foundation. It is a recognition that has come at such a very pivotal time in our services, marking our 10th year of dedication to transforming communities in Ealing and across West London and Greater London worthwhile. This means a lot and that more doors will open for us, and we can expand our provision to accommodate more people.”
Ms Chimfwembe added: “I believe that the training we have provided to our employees has been instrumental in developing a team of talented and skilled individuals that I have had the pleasure of working with since we started this initiative and has benefited our organisation in accomplishing many milestones worthy of note. It is in reflection of all that we have achieved as a result of our dedication to our employee’s personal development that we recognise how important it is to continue to dedicate our efforts to moulding well rounded employable individuals. I thank our team, funders and partners, the communities we support, the City and Guild Foundation team, my mentors, and many more.”
Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds said: “The Princess Royal Training Awards demonstrate how training and development can open up opportunities and attract new talent to industries with significant skills gaps and labour shortages.”
Ms Donnelly added: “This year’s recipients have shown the range and depth of learning and development that is taking place in their own organisations to shape growth and positivity, from the power of skills development to address issues such as improving diversity and inclusion, through to programmes to address the ongoing impact of climate change.”
