Billy’s story is a fantastic example of how work experience can provide young people with meaningful experiences of the world of work, as well as develop confidence and employability skills.

Last year, Billy was connected with Construction Youth Trust via his school, and we helped to facilitate a one-week work experience placement for him in quantity surveying. Billy impressed his host employer so much they invited him back this year for a two-week paid placement. He had the chance to see iconic London sites being developed, such as Fulham Football Club.

In his own words, the experience “made him realise there was a lot more to construction than just being on a construction site”. Billy is currently still studying at college; however, he has been offered the opportunity to join his employer to complete a higher-level degree apprenticeship in quantity surveying!

Building Opportunities targets young people aged 14-16 at high risk of not making a successful post-16 transition. It centres on 1-2-1 coaching and ongoing employer engagement. The ultimate goal of this project is to support young people to transition into sustainable employment, education or training (EET) outcomes that are meaningful to their aspirations.