Grundon has joined forces with customer Ascot Racecourse and local charity Learning to Work to help hundreds of young people explore sustainability through a real-world business challenge.
Earlier this year, almost 1,000 Year 7 students from five local schools took part in the Ascot Racecourse Racing to Zero Challenge, exploring how businesses can tackle environmental challenges while developing skills for the workplace.
Using Ascot Racecourse as a case study, students learned about the venue’s sustainability targets and initiatives, exploring topics including climate change, biodiversity, energy, waste and sustainable design.
Working in teams, they applied their learning by developing and presenting ideas for a Sustainable Race Day of the Future to volunteers from Ascot Racecourse and its supply chain partners, including Grundon.
The results highlighted a positive impact on students’ learning and confidence. Following the challenge, the proportion who rated their ability to use their skills to complete a business challenge at six out of ten or higher rose from 60% to 80%.
The feedback also showed that:
- 80% had met people from the workplace.
- 69% better understood how employees work together to solve real problems.
- 65% understood how their school subjects link to the world of work.
- 60% had learned from employers about the skills needed in the workplace.
- 84% felt the activity was a valuable use of their time.
Students also shared their enthusiasm for the experience. One commented,
“The workshop was really fun and exciting. The fact that we had a big problem to solve was nerve-racking and amazing in a good way.”
Another said, “I learnt just how hard it is to work in a business and that members of staff use teamwork to solve real problems.”
The Racing to Zero challenge demonstrates how a joint approach between businesses, schools and community organisations can inspire young people to think creatively about sustainability while building skills for their future careers.
Reflecting on the event, Harry Crockett, Social Value Coordinator said “We’re incredibly proud to have been part of the Racing to Zero Challenge alongside Ascot Racecourse and Learning to Work.
“It’s been fantastic to see young people engaging with real-world sustainability challenges, sharing their ideas and thinking creatively about how we can build a more sustainable future. At Grundon, we believe team work and education have an important role to play in driving positive change, so it’s particularly rewarding to support an initiative that helps inspire the next generation.”
Harry Crockett
Social Value Coordinator