We are sad to hear about the news of the death of our former trustee David Bucknall, OBE, who died earlier this week aged 76.

David was a leading figure in the construction industry running property and construction practice Rider Levett Bucknall for over 50 years. Some of his more famous contributions to the world of construction included the Birmingham Symphony Hall International Convention Centre and his involvement in the restoration of Windsor Castle following the 1992 fire.

Christine Townley, Executive Director said:

we were terribly sad to hear about David...

Our Exexutive Director Christine Townley makes the case for widening the availability of skills advice and guidence to be representative of an industry and a diverse society.

Christine comments on the need to engage with young men and women in schools to help build an industry fit for the 21st century. The Trust's industry-leading Budding Brunels programme works with schools and colleges to engage young people with the most inspirational people and places in the industry - providing accredited learning and work placements as a steer into the industry. Supported by industry...

We're sad to say goodbye today to our friends Karen Laheen and Jo Carr who leave us to go on to new adventures!

We'll always remember the fun times and know you will both look back with pride at what you accomplished at the Trust

You are both leaving the Trust in a better place for having worked with you - we'll miss you, and for everyone else, WATCH OUT!

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Welcome to Construction Youth Trust’s new website. We hope you like it. We have completely changed the look and feel adding some exciting new features including; our great new careers pages for those who want to find out about careers in construction; a great story of the Trust-in-30-seconds, our team’s favourite buildings and more in the revamped Who we are pages; some wonderful case studies; and of course our shiny new Awards pages (don’t miss out on the last few tickets for this year’s Duke of Gloucester’s Young Achievers Scheme awards night – March 19th...

The Duke was able to see young people working on the final stage of a practical construction skills course, supported by Willmott Dixon, who have donated £5000 to enable the young people to learn new skills and refurbish the community centre.

The participants have had support from Trust Trainer, Oscar Liburd and Regional Manager, Angela Miller in learning construction skills, mentoring support from Willmott Dixon representatives, and have been working together to study for the CSCS health and safety test, a requirement to work on most sites.

Richard Freeman, regional...

Christine Townley, Executive Director of Construction Youth Trust has been working in the construction industry since the 70s. Her background as a Civil Engineer and her experience in the industry, coupled with her passion for working with young people, makes her the ideal person to run the charity.

In September 2004,she became only the third staff member of, what was then a small, low-profile construction charity with sparse funding, cramped accommodation and a distinctly modest set of achievements over its 40-year history.

Having trained to be a Civil Engineer in...

It is ten years since I joined the Trust and over that time there have been some significant challenges for young people during a tough recession. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last decade and the opportunities we have helped make for our young people – ten years has taught me we can make a difference and, with the wind behind us, should be able to continue to make a positive difference for more young people as we move into more prosperous times. The Trust engaged with over 7000 young people last year, an increase from fewer than 2000 a year, 10 years ago.

You have helped us...

When Vic Grimes stepped down from running the National Apprenticeship Service at the Skills Funding Agency in March, he was looking forward to taking a long and well-earned break.

After nearly 30 years in harness, the last 20 in senior roles creating and managing high quality apprenticeships and vocational training opportunities , it was time to travel a bit, take care of those odd jobs round the home in Bexleyheath and spend plenty of time pursuing his passion, the leisurely art of fishing. He was sure he could beat his record catch - an 18lb salmon landed a few years ago from...