Eden, 15 from Lewisham, has always had a strong interest in maths, physics, and chemistry – making engineering a natural fit for her skills and passions. Curious to learn more about the field and the different routes into it, she was eager to gain first-hand experience in the industry. After attending a recruitment assembly at her school hosted by one of our coaches, our Building Opportunities programme seemed like the perfect opportunity for her to achieve her goals, so she registered.

As part of the programme, Eden attended a site visit of the London Power Tunnels, which gave her a valuable insight into real-world engineering environments. It was here that she had an inspiring conversation with a female civil engineer about her career path and what it’s like being a woman in the industry. This was a real eye-opener for Eden, as she felt she could relate to her and it made her aspirations of becoming a female engineer feel more accessible and achievable to her.

Alongside this, Eden participated in our school-based work experience programme, where she worked in a team to fulfil a project brief, taking on different industry roles to simulate a real-life working environment. This was concluded with a presentation of their final project to a panel of industry experts, as well as networking and gaining advice from real life professionals including architects and engineers. Following a conversation with a volunteer at this event, Eden was offered a work experience placement in structural engineering at the company they worked for, where she visited their offices, gained insight into the responsibilities of an engineer and even got the chance to try a 3D modelling software used by real engineers!

This was a pivotal experience for Eden, who had achieved everything she set out to when joining our programme. Having gained valuable experience of a real life construction site and a work experience placement with top engineers, as well as finding out more about different routes she can take into engineering – she is as motivated as ever to pursue her dreams and feels she has the tools and confidence necessary to make this a reality for herself.

Eden is currently preparing to sit her GCSE exams in maths, physics, and computer science, and has received a conditional offer to study mathematics at King’s College London Mathematics School.

Her ultimate goal, she identified with the help of her CYT coach, is going on to study an integrated master’s degree in civil and structural engineering at university. We wish her the best of luck with her exams, and a bright future ahead!

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.

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.