
We are proud to announce a new and exciting partnership between ourselves and housing solutions provider Mears Group, aimed at empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed in the workplace.
This collaboration, piloted at Mears Group’s branch in Thanet, will form part of RISE UP’s "Building Aspirations" programme. It seeks to engage and inspire young people, particularly those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds through tailored skills masterclasses, hands-on work experience, and mentorship opportunities.
Young people participating in the programme will develop practical skills, build confidence, and gain exposure to real-world work environments. Beyond helping participants prepare for successful careers, the initiative highlights the diverse range of opportunities within the housing sector.
Our CEO Roman Dibden, shared: "I’m excited to get started on the Thanet trial. I left school at 14 and began my journey as a housing apprentice, so it’s a full-circle moment for me to expand RISE UP’s support into this sector and show young people the diverse range of careers within housing. Partnering with Mears Group, a company committed to delivering a best-in-class apprenticeship programme, marks an exciting step forward. We are delighted to welcome the Group as one of our valued partners and look forward to working closely together to transform opportunities for the next generation."
The programme will also offer young people transferable skills and professional development that will set them up for success in whichever career path they choose. For participants who secure apprenticeships with Mears Group, the partnership ensures continued guidance and support, helping new apprentices stay on track as they progress in their roles.
Jamie Lee Ward, Apprenticeships Project Manager at Mears Group, said: "Our partnership with RISE UP is a fantastic opportunity to connect with young people in harder-to-reach communities and provide them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed after leaving school. We’re especially excited to launch our first workshops in Thanet, an area in the South East with some of the highest levels of youth unemployment, where we know this initiative can make a real impact."
This partnership is a key part of Mears Group’s efforts to deliver social value, advance its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, and address critical workforce shortages. Funded by The Mears Foundation, the independent charitable arm of Mears Group, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and meaningful community impact.
We look forward to working with Mears Group to create impactful opportunities for young people and further our mission to tackle youth unemployment.
About Mears Group Mears is a leading provider of services to the housing sector, managing and maintaining around 450,000 homes across the UK. Focused on long-term outcomes, Mears delivers property management, maintenance, and housing solutions while addressing social, economic, and environmental wellbeing.
Learn more at: www.mearsgroup.co.uk
About The Mears Foundation The Mears Foundation is the independent charitable arm of Mears Group, supporting initiatives that create a positive impact on communities and individuals across the UK.
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