Molson Group, the international heavy equipment dealer based in Bristol, has extended its relationship with the HITZ programme, run Bristol by the Bristol Bears Community Foundation, by introducing a key equipment partner to their local programme.
Molson is a long-term supporter and partner of the Bristol Bears Community Foundation, and first become involved with the HITZ programme last year. HITZ, which is a nationwide programme linked to Premiership Rugby clubs, gives local young people a leg-up by helping them navigate the pathway from education into meaningful employment and social inclusion, thanks to partnerships with leading organisations from a range of industries.
Molson has already taken on four HITZ participants as apprentices, and also donates funds and equipment to the programme, including providing laptops and full personal protective equipment (PPE) essential for workplace visits. Now, Molson has introduced its equipment partner, Terex Corporation, the $3.1 billion American worldwide manufacturer of material processing products, to the programme.
Inspired by Molson Group’s success in supporting the HITZ programme, Terex, through its base in Coalville, Leicestershire, is now partnering with Leicester Tigers to build a bespoke programme comprising team building, academic work, and mini apprenticeships on the factory floor. Developed in partnership with and Stephenson College, the programme is due to start in September, taking an initial cohort of 12-16 participants and hopefully transitioning them to into full-time apprenticeships within Terex Coalville.
Pat Brian, Vice President and Managing Director at Terex Corporation, said: “Molson is one of Terex’s biggest customers worldwide but we have developed a relationship that is transcending day to day business and touches on our shared value of “citizenship”. The HITZ programme is an ideal way to collaborate with one another and the wider community and make a tangible difference to the lives of young people.”
Robin Powell, who has a long record of dedicating his personal and company time and money to supporting local causes, is passionate about the HITZ programme. He says: “Not everyone has the same opportunities in life, and the HITZ programme helps to generate life-changing training and job opportunities for young people who have fallen through the cracks in the system and are without adequate training, education of career prospects. I’m so glad that Molson can help – and even better that we can extend our support by bringing Terex on board.”
Molson Group is now in its second year of supporting the programme, and the next cohort of HITZ pupils will soon be shown around the Molson facility in Avonmouth, where they will see the first year’s HITZ recruits at work.
Robin says: “Supporting the HITZ programme is good for everyone – the HITZ trainees, the Molson people involved in the programme, and it’s also good for business – clients and partners are hugely positive about the work we’re doing for our local community. It’s a win, win.”
Robin was nominated for the 2021 HITZ Champion Award in recognition of the outstanding level of support he and Molson gives to HITZ participants.
