The Teachers Building Society has been announced as a finalist in the Dorset Business Awards for its work supporting local students.

The VOIP Unlimited Business Engagement with Education award is a new category which is awarded to a business which has established a positive partnership with a local school, university or education programme and the Teachers Building Society has been shortlisted for its participation as premier partner in the ‘My’ Life schools programme.

The ‘My’ Life schools programme supports schools in providing quality workshops and materials that enable young students to explore their skills, motivation and dreams for the future, preparing them for the workplace. The workshops took place in 10 Dorset-based schools in 2015 ​and will roll out to more schools and students in following years. The programmes were designed and run by Destination Education, with staff from Teachers Building Society and AFC Bournemouth Community Trust also taking part as mentors.

James Bawa (pictured), chief executive for Teachers Building Society, said: “We are delighted to be finalists in this award. The ‘My’ life schools programme is really important to us – as a former student of a local secondary school, I’m delighted to be supporting the initiative.

“I know only too well that the choices young people make in their teenage and early adult years will affect the rest of their lives.”

Elaine Plested, commercial director for Destination Education, added: “The support and commitment given to this project by Teachers Building Society has been outstanding and the feedback has shown that their partnership work with us has undoubtedly made a big difference to some of the nearly 300 students that participated in the programmes.

“We are delighted that they have chosen to renew their support in this new academic year, and are excited that together we can continue to have an impact on the future of these young local students.”