Bradford College

Bradford College Students ‘Bridge the Gap’ for London 2012 Olympic Games

Bradford College has been specially selected to take part in the Bridging the Gap project, supplying the organisers of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games with young qualified stewards and security staff.

Whilst the project is delivered at more than 80 further education colleges and a range of higher education organisations across the country, Bradford College is the only college in the region selected to take part.

Inspired by the security requirements for the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, Bridging the Gap aims to address the ongoing skills shortage in the security industry.

Tracy Jennings, Manager of Beacon Recruitment & Placement Services (part of the Bradford College family) came to the rescue by supplying a student workforce to keep the nation safe during one of the biggest sporting events in UK history.

Tracy has been instrumental in placing Bradford College students in a variety of roles despite record unemployment figures.  Working with G4S, Tracy Jennings has ensured students have gained specialist qualifications to work as part of a highly trained and motivated workforce to help support the venue security operation at the Games.

The project will create earning opportunities for Bradford College students during the historic sporting event and even after the Olympics has ended.  Students will have the potential to work at recognised events such as Wimbledon, the British Grand Prix, the Ryder Cup, Premiership football matches, festivals and carnivals.

Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive, Michele Sutton, OBE said: “When I was asked if Bradford College could join the Bridging the Gap project, I said yes straight away.  This gives every opportunity for Bradford College students to play their part at the Olympic Games.”

Principal Michele Sutton, OBE continued: “Our students, whom I am really proud of, have been through a really rigorous training and recruitment exercise.  They will be representing Bradford College and Bradford at the Olympic Games, ensuring the public are safe and stewarded well.”

Ume Habiba, BA (Hons) Accountancy student (aged 27) said “It’s going to be a really amazing experience. I am really overwhelmed that I have been selected to take part in this historic event!  I would like to thank Emily Rooker and Tracy Jennings from Beacon Recruitment for organising this life changing opportunity.”

Mohammed Zoaib, BA (Hons) Financial Services student (aged 20) added: “It feels really good that Bradford College has given me the opportunity to work alongside G4S for the Olympics. I would also like to thank Tracy and Emily for their hard work.”

Commenting on the placements, Tracy Jennings said: “Bradford College is the only West Yorkshire college to be selected to support keeping London 2012 Olympic Games safe, working with G4S through the Bridging the Gap project.” 

“Helping our students to work at such a prestigious event has been a huge honour.  It has been wonderful to see the pride on our students faces.  They have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to work at the Olympic Games – an event that is unlikely to be hosted again in the UK in their lifetime.  To have this on their CV is a great accolade – and it gives me and the college such great pride."

For further information about Beacon Recruitment & Placement Services Ltd visit: www.beaconrecruitment.co.uk/