Ameera, 17, studying at Christ the King Emmanuel Sixth Form College in Lewisham, lacked confidence in professional settings and felt detached from the world of work. Although generally keen to pursue an apprenticeship in the built environment sector, Ameera didn’t know the best-suited pathway available, lacked employer relationships, and wanted improve her professional skills to be able to access a next step that was right for her. To help Ameera achieve this, we connected her to CYT’s Pathways to Professional Careers programme.

Upon joining the programme, Ameera began working with a dedicated CYT coach, who recognised the importance of exposing Ameera early to professional settings so that she could build her confidence and start exploring potential careers. We introduced Ameera to a broad range of industry volunteers through activities such as networking events, 1-2-1 mock interviews, and a transformative work experience placement in the industry. It was on this placement, with the opportunity to shadow a range of professionals and gain first-hand experience of various roles, where Ameera discovered a real interest in planning and coordination, a career area that matched her organisational skills.

As she progressed into Year 13, Ameera’s CYT coach was keen to match her to employer encounters that were directly relevant to her career goals in planning and coordination. This included connecting her to a ‘CYT Live Vacancies’ event we delivered in partnership with Turner & Townsend. At the event, the early careers team at Turner & Townsend were presenting their open Level 6 apprenticeships in project management. Turner and Townsend spoke about the details of the opportunity such as the day-to-day role, progression opportunities, and salary. There was also a Q&A session and mock interviews as part of the event. This was a great way for Ameera to build a rapport with the team at T&T, while demonstrating her own skills, knowledge and confidence she’d developed on Pathways to Professional Careers- taking part in networking activities and mock interviews.

Ameera was inspired to apply for the project management apprenticeship role on offer and, following the event, felt that she was in a strong position to do so. Her CYT coach supported her throughout the recruitment process, including tailoring her CV, writing a high-quality application, and practising interview techniques to build Ameera’s confidence and adaptability. Having aced the recruitment process, Ameera successfully secured the apprenticeship role and will be starting in September! We are so excited to continue to support Ameera as she transitions into the next step of what we’re sure will be a long and successful career.

Construction Youth Trust works in local communities across London and North Kent, targeting areas with a high proportion of low-income households and significant construction and regeneration.

Our Pathways to Professional Careers programme supports students (aged 16-18) interested in pursuing professional pathways, with a priority focus on those from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented groups. Research shows that young people from well-off backgrounds are 80% more likely to be in a professional job. Pathways aims to level the apprenticeship playing field, helping young people overcome barriers and access rewarding higher-level and degree apprenticeship opportunities and professional careers.