A fitness fanatic has combined her passion for work and running to get apprenticeships for young people in Birmingham. Gemma Shooter completed this year's London Marathon in just under five-and-a-half hours - her debut attempt at the gruelling 26-mile course.
As part of the challenge, Birmingham-based business development manager Gemma pledged to get a young person an apprenticeship with new and existing clients for every mile she completed.
The '26 Apprentices for 26 Miles' project has also received backing from BPP Professional Education - the company Gemma works for in Birmingham. The company will donate £100 to youth charity The Prince's Trust for each apprentice Gemma helps to gain successful employment.
Further support has come from Midlands-based training provider LMPQ. “I wanted to do something a little different for my challenge and by combining the London Marathon with my work, the '26 Apprentices for 26 Miles' project seemed to fit perfectly,” said Gemma, of Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield.
Her project is aimed at 16-24-year-olds from Birmingham who want a career in business, finance or professional services to start around September/October. Gemma is appealing to Birmingham-based businesses to get in touch and take on an apprentice or offer support such as sponsorship. Whilst she continues her recruitment drive, 34-year-old Gemma has plans to enter more marathons around the UK and the world.
To read more about the project, visit: www.justgiving.com/GemmaShooter1
