Atkins wins London Citizens Business of the Year Award

Atkins has been named ‘Business of the Year’ by community group London Citizens for its ongoing London 2012 legacy work. The award recognises the success of an Atkins internship programme which is providing employment opportunities for youngsters from the East London boroughs which hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games. To date, twenty interns have gained invaluable work experience at Atkins, with six going on to secure full-time employment with the company.

Launched in partnership with the East London Communities Organisation (TELCO), the scheme continues Atkins’ legacy commitment following its role as official design and engineering services provider for London 2012. The programme, which has been running for over two years, is aimed at youngsters who have studied Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths related subjects (STEM) at college or university. Atkins’ partnership with TELCO also includes school visits across East London to promote STEM-related education and career choices.

Mike McNicholas, who led Atkins’ work on key infrastructure for London 2012, said:

“We place great emphasis on employing people from a range of backgrounds – in this case, people who reflect the fabric of London as a place to live and work.

“Our work with TELCO and other organisations in East London not only continues Atkins’ Olympic legacy but also sees us delivering upon the social business case which was part of the London 2012 bid.”

Emmanuel Gotora, Lead Organiser at TELCO, said:

"We congratulate Atkins on winning the London Citizens Business of the Year Award in recognition of their contribution to civil society. Atkins was the first London 2012 sponsor to take interns from East London and, in doing so, has given many youngsters a life-changing opportunity to enhance their career prospects.”

Each year, TELCO identifies suitable candidates who are then employed for three months across Atkins’ businesses to give them a broad overview of engineering in different sectors. The interns also attend training seminars delivered by Atkins and TELCO covering interview techniques, CV writing and other skills which will help them in their search for permanent employment.

London Citizens is part of Citizens UK – an alliance of local Community Organising groups in London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Nottingham and Leeds. The group brings together churches, mosques and synagogues; schools, colleges and universities; unions, think-tanks and housing associations; GP surgeries, charities and migrant groups to work together for the common good.