Doncaster Chamber has been presented with the JCI UK Investors in Young People Award 2017 for their work with young people and business. The Chamber runs the Doncaster Skills Academy to help bridge the gap between education and work and encourages business people to deliver in-school activities to engage with young people, tell them about different career opportunities and raise their aspirations.  This innovative work is seen as an example of good practice with the British Chamber of Commerce network.  Over the last year, the DSA has engaged with over 5,000 young people. The Chamber also recruited three apprentices in 2015 in business administration who have since been permanently employed as trainee officers in the finance, business & education and membership teams. A new apprentices has just joined the organisation and a second will start soon. “I am thrilled that Doncaster Chamber of Commerce has received the Investing in Young People award from JCI UK. It is truly inspirational to see organisations really making an impact with young people in their community which translates into business success within the local economy. Well done to all for their hard work and commitment,” said Michael Steel JCI UK 2017 National President. Dan Fell, CEO of Doncaster Chamber, received the prestigious accolade at the JCI Yorkshire Awards evening on Saturday 21 October, saying: “This is a wonderful testament to the hard work and commitment of Doncaster Chamber and its members to help bridge the gap between education and business via the Doncaster Skills Academy. It’s paramount that we continue to build on this success and strongly support young people to become career-ready and Doncaster’s future business leaders.  It is also very pleasing to be recognised for the work we do, in house, to support the development of tomorrow’s leaders via apprenticeships and progression opportunities for our younger colleagues.”   Photo courtesy of Studio Lux Rotherham