As Transport for London’s development company, Places for London developed its Educational Engagement Programme (EEP) to raise awareness and understanding of the built environment, while connecting underrepresented young people with inspiring career opportunities across the sector.

Working in partnership with Construction Youth Trust (CYT) and its joint venture partners – Barratt London, Fastned, Grainger plc, Helical and The Earls Court Development Company – Places for London has introduced students on the programme to the wide range of roles in the sector and given them the experiences, skills and connections to support their first career steps.

Now in its third year, the Educational Engagement Programme has been gaining momentum and, this year, has seen record numbers of students achieve apprenticeship offers for September. Here are just a few of those success stories from young people who were on CYT’s Pathways to Professional Careers programme as part of the EEP.

Chayse, a student at Ark Walworth Academy, wasn’t sure what to do after sixth form, but knew she wanted a creative career with real purpose. Through CYT, her coach helped her explore apprenticeship routes including architecture, interior and set design, specialist trades and engineering, opening her eyes to a wide range of possibilities. After completing work experience with Hill Group, Chayse discovered the technical coordinator role, which immediately clicked with her, and she was later offered the position.

“CYT has changed my life for the better… Through consistent support from my CYT coach, I was able to find the role best suited for me and be successful in obtaining a degree apprenticeship as a trainee technical coordinator. Thank you CYT for helping me discover the occupation that fulfils my passion!”

Ethan, who studies at City of Westminster College, had an initial interest in architecture, but joined CYT lacking confidence and feeling he had limited access to employer networks. Through work experience placements that we facilitated and ongoing support from his CYT coach, he was introduced to a wider range of career pathways and industry employers. With guidance from his coach, Ethan secured a project management opportunity with Willmott Dixon!

“The construction industry revolves around people and collaboration so having industry connections really helps with gaining access to opportunities however for me no one in my family has any links to construction. So, I had a bit of a challenge and struggled with that fact as I was at a disadvantage, however CYT became the place for me to seek connections, build relations and receive guidance and support. Ultimately, building my confidence in establishing a career.”

Shamira, who studies at Southbank University Academy, was concerned about her lack of access to meaningful work experience opportunities. Through one-to-one support, work experience placements and connections with relatable industry professionals that we facilitated, she gained confidence and developed a strong interest in the construction sector. With support refining her CV and applications, Shamira successfully secured a Project Management apprenticeship with Mace Group.

“CYT was very helpful in terms of me securing a degree apprenticeship as I was able to go on multiple work experiences, strengthen my CV and develop skills.”

car, a student at City of Westminster College, felt he lacked industry connections and access to larger employers within the construction sector. Through work experience, insight days and exposure to live vacancies – experiences where he got to meet and ask questions of employers – his confidence and understanding of careers across planning, design and surveying grew, and he developed valuable professional connections. This led to him securing an apprenticeship with Laing O’Rourke.

“CYT’s guidance has played an important role in developing my understanding of the industry and helping me take meaningful steps towards my career.”

“Through CYT’s support, I have been able to access a range of valuable opportunities, including industry events and connections with leading companies. This has helped me secure an apprenticeship with Laing O’Rourke!”

Savannah, studying at The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, knew she enjoyed working with numbers, but felt she lacked confidence and awareness of jobs available in the working world. We supported her by putting her on work experience placements that opened her eyes to a career in quantity surveying, which resonated with her as she loved the idea of contributing to real-life projects from a financial standpoint. Through 1-2-1 sessions with her CYT coach, Savannah worked on her CV, cover letter writing, and interview preparation. Her confidence grew and she secured an apprenticeship with Mott Macdonald.

“Being a girl, working in the built environment industry never once crossed my mind (before CYT) – it felt intimidating to think about entering such a heavily male dominated industry.”

“Construction Youth Trust gave me the opportunities that I would not have been able to get anywhere else”

This growing number of apprenticeship offers highlights the tangible impact of the Educational Engagement Programme in supporting young people into meaningful employment. By combining industry insight, employer engagement and targeted support, the programme is helping to turn potential into opportunity and create clear pathways into the built environment sector.

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

As part of the Educational Engagement Programme, a partnership with Places for London (Transport for London’s wholly owned commercial property company) and its joint venture development partners at Barratt London, The Earls Court Development Company, Fastned, Grainger plc and Helical, CYT is able to increase awareness and understanding of the built environment and connect young talent to inspiring careers within the sector. This three-year programme is investing in a new generation of young Londoners to become the leaders and professionals of the future.