At the Drive Forward Foundation, we are dedicated to helping care-experienced young people build sustainable careers and achieve their full potential. Our partnership with Andron, a leader in facilities management, exemplifies the power of collaboration in transforming lives. Over the past ten months, Andron has welcomed four of our young people into their team, providing them with valuable opportunities to thrive in a supportive and values-driven environment. One of the standout success stories from this partnership is Bradie, who has found her calling as the Community and Training Manager at Andron.
Bradie’s Journey: From Client to Career Leader
Bradie’s journey with Drive Forward Foundation began when she sought guidance and support to find a career that aligned with her passions. With the help of her Careers Manager, Heaven, Bradie was able to identify her interests and aspirations. Heaven’s attentive listening and tailored support ensured that Bradie was presented with opportunities that matched her goals, one of which was a role at Andron.
Reflecting on her experience, Bradie shared that Heaven “listened when I told her what I was passionate about […] and streamlined opportunities accordingly.” This thoughtful approach led her to the position at Andron, which immediately resonated with her values. With further guidance from Felix, her Careers Specialist, Bradie prepared extensively for the interview. Felix, she noted, was “incredibly helpful in opening my eyes to the realities of managing during interview prep” and encouraged her to conduct thorough research.
The interview process was not just a formality for Bradie; it was a moment of growth and self-realisation. She approached it with calmness and confidence, feeling “grounded during the interview” and inspired by the alignment between her values and those of Andron. The result was a successful placement in a role that not only matched her passion but also allowed her to contribute meaningfully to a company that upholds the principles she believes in.
A Model for Successful Collaboration
The success of Bradie’s placement is part of a broader, fruitful partnership between Drive Forward Foundation and Andron. This marks the second time our organisation has connected Andron with an ideal candidate, demonstrating the strength of our collaboration.
Anton Babey, CEO of Drive Forward Foundation, emphasised the importance of this partnership, noting that Andron’s clear communication and understanding of the unique challenges faced by care leavers were key to the successful placements. “Their team was clear in their requirements,” Anton observed, adding that Andron’s collaborative approach made the entire process “efficient and enjoyable.” He also highlighted the value of the interview experience and feedback that Andron provided to our young people, which was instrumental in helping them succeed.
Patricia Billings, Sustainability Manager at Andron, echoed these sentiments, describing the partnership as “invaluable.” She praised Drive Forward Foundation’s commitment to empowering care leavers, which aligns perfectly with Andron’s values. Together, Patricia noted, they have “found great talent” and look forward to continuing the collaboration for future roles.
Neil McLaren, National Account Director at Andron, shared his positive experience with the recruitment process, stating that he was “greatly impressed by the quality of the candidates” from Drive Forward. He expressed confidence that Bradie would be an excellent addition to their team and recommended Drive Forward to other employers based on their successful collaboration.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Impact
As the partnership between Drive Forward Foundation and Andron continues to grow, both organisations are excited about the future. Cheryl Stewart, Director at Andron, reflected on the impact of the collaboration so far. She remarked that in just ten months, Andron has welcomed four members from Drive Forward into their business, including Bradie, who is now taking on the role of Community and Training Manager. Cheryl sees this as just the beginning, noting that there are “plenty of collaborative opportunities for positive social impact” on the horizon.
Andron and Drive Forward are not only focused on employment but are also planning joint events to raise awareness of the barriers faced by care leavers. These initiatives aim to create positive change within the facilities management industry and beyond. Cheryl expressed her enthusiasm for the future, stating that they “can’t wait to see what the future holds” for this partnership.
Finally, Nina Dei, Community and Partnerships Manager at Drive Forward Foundation, highlighted the transformational impact of Bradie’s experience at Andron. She noted that Andron has “fostered her creativity and embraced her ideas,” empowering Bradie to see herself as both a professional and a potential advocate for others.
