Social Mobility
Creating opportunities for all
We’re committed to enhancing skills, education and employment opportunities for all, helping to create equality and support for those who face barriers to opportunity.
By providing access to training, mentoring, and career pathways, we help to transform lives, giving people hope, pride and a renewed sense of purpose.
Through our programmes, we work alongside communities to remove obstacles, empower individuals and open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Every action, whether through volunteering, partnerships or employment programmes, contributes to a more inclusive society where everyone has the chance to succeed.
By combining our expertise with the passion of our people, the needs of our local communities, and partnerships with our customers, we create opportunities that make a lasting difference.
Beacon Skills Academy
Our Beacon Skills Academy is a year-round programme that brings together a range of activities designed to build skills, boost confidence, and open up career pathways for people in our local communities.
It focuses on breaking down barriers to employment, skills development, and social inclusion - supporting young people and adults alike to thrive in the modern workplace.
The Academy includes three core strands:
- SEND Road Safety Programme – interactive sessions designed for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to build life skills and confidence when navigating their communities safely.
- Work Experience (WEX) - immersive workshops with schools across the UK, giving students first-hand insight into careers within the sectors we operate in, building employability skills, and inspiring ambition for future careers.
- Employability Workshop – tailored training and guidance for young learners and adults, helping them develop skills, overcome barriers, and move into sustainable employment.
SEND Road Safety Programme
Launched in 2023, our SEND Road Safety Programme began at a school in Leeds after identifying a gap in support for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Traditional road safety lessons often miss the mark for these learners, so we set out to make education more accessible, practical and engaging.
At the heart of the programme is our simple A, B, C framework – Awareness, Behaviour, and Choice. This approach uses interactive activities to help learners understand the importance of road safety, recognise everyday hazards, and feel empowered to make safer decisions when out in their communities. To create a realistic but safe learning environment, we bring along our Sunbelt Traffic Management equipment, giving learners the chance to practise what they’ve learned in a controlled setting that mirrors real-life road situations.
The programme has grown quickly. In 2024, we expanded delivery as part of National Road Safety Week, hosting workshops nationwide and reaching more than 300 learners. Each year, the programme continues to grow, with our teams volunteering their time to deliver sessions, share expertise and inspire safer choices.
By focusing on accessibility and inclusion, the SEND Road Safety Programme ensures that no learner is left behind. It helps SEND learners build essential life skills, empowering them to travel more safely and independently within their communities.
Work Experience (WEX)
Our Work Experience programme partners with schools across the UK to give students first-hand insight into a wide range of industries – from construction and infrastructure to logistics and film & TV. Designed to open new possibilities, it helps young people see what’s out there beyond the classroom and imagine new futures for themselves.
Each year, a cohort of students take part in an engaging programme of interactive workshops, industry-led masterclasses and hands-on challenges. In 2025, 130 students took part across the academic year, with 32 securing a one-week paid placement with Sunbelt Rentals.
Students have experienced masterclasses in project management, marketing and social sustainability; joined a Cyber Escape Challenge; pitched their ideas in a Dragons’ Den-style competition; and gained behind-the-scenes insight through live site visits and operational experience. These immersive activities don’t just build employability skills – they also boost confidence, encourage teamwork and inspire ambition.
Our work Experience programme equips young people with the skills, confidence and clarity they need to thrive in the world of work. By opening doors to diverse careers and building real-world experience, the programme helps students turn ambition into opportunity.
Adult Employability
Through our Beacon Skills Academy, our Adult Employability programme provides tailored support to help individuals transition into meaningful employment.
For people facing barriers, including veterans, persons with convictions, care leavers and those not in education, employment or training (NEET) – the journey back into work can feel daunting.
With the right guidance, skills development and practical training, new futures become possible.
Delivered in partnership with local authorities, training providers and employers, the programme offers a structured pathway that meets participants where they are. Through expert-led workshops, personalised coaching and immersive work-based experiences, we help individuals rebuild confidence, develop essential skills and take control of their career journey.
Workshops cover everything from CV writing and interview preparation to digital skills and sector-specific taster sessions. Where possible, participants also access short work placements or mentoring with our teammates and industry partners, giving them valuable real-world insight and professional connections.
Impact: The programme equips people with the tools and confidence to secure sustainable jobs and build successful careers. For many, it provides a vital step towards independence, purpose and long-term opportunity.
Veterans Programme
We’re committed to supporting our veteran and service leavers through our Veterans programme, developed in partnership with Sunbelt Rentals inc. Designed by Veterans, for Veterans, our programme is designed to provide support, friendship and a sense of community for those in the armed forces, both past and present. It helps teammates and their families thrive while connecting them with like-minded colleagues.
We provide bespoke resources to support veteran team members and their families. From skills and training to ongoing guidance, our commitment ensures every veteran has the support needed in Sunbelt Rentals. Our programme is created around 4 R’s – Resources, Recruitment, Recognition and Retention, which guide our support to the veteran community:
1. Resources: We provide tailored resources to support our veteran team members and their families. From tools and training to ongoing guidance, we’re committed to helping them thrive in their roles.
2. Recruitment: Recognising the unique skills and strengths that military service brings, we actively recruit members of the Armed Forces through strategic partnerships. Our tailored recruitment pathways match veterans to roles that suit their experience, with full support as they settle into and develop their careers at Sunbelt Rentals. Life at Sunbelt - Sunbelt Rentals Careers
3. Recognition: We’ve introduced several initiatives to help our veterans proudly showcase their service.
4. Retention: We connect our veterans with fellow veterans who understand the transition to civilian life.
We work closely with veteran-focused organisations, including:
• Walking with the Wounded (WWTW) – supporting veterans’ recovery, mental health and wellbeing support and career progression.
• Project RECCE – delivering veteran-led skills training and community engagement opportunities.
How we've promoted social mobility
Creating Opportunity Through a Prison-Based Repair Workshop
A dedicated workshop at HMP Sudbury delivers sustainable refurbishments while supporting prisoner employment and upskilling.
Download case studySupporting People with Convictions Into Employment
Our partnership with The Recruitment Junction equips people with confidence, skills and practical support to transform their lives.
Download case studyEmpowering SEN Students with Real-World Road Safety Skills
We partnered with Brake during National Road Safety Week to deliver tailored, hands-on road safety workshops for SEN students, using realistic traffic simulations to build confidence and practical skills.
Download case studyStrengthening Community Support for a Glasgow Food Bank
We supported Carntyne & Riddrie Food Bank by providing equipment, donations, volunteering, and a full digital marketing package to help it meet rising demand and expand its impact in the local community.
Download case studySupporting Inclusive Outdoor Learning for Children with SEND
We partnered with Kier to support the Multiple Intelligence Hub by providing equipment, recycled materials, and volunteer support to enhance accessible outdoor learning spaces for children with special educational needs.
Download case study
