The Educational Engagement Programme is a collaborative initiative between Places for London and Construction Youth Trust, delivered with the support of joint venture development partners: Barratt London, The Earls Court Development Company, Grainger plc, Helical, and Fastned. The programme was established to broaden young people’s understanding of the built environment and to open doors to the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available within the sector. By connecting students with industry professionals, hands-on experiences, and inspiring role models, we level the playing field to provide each young person with the opportunity to succeed.

The start of this academic year has been nothing short of inspirational for our partnership. We’ve celebrated a number of remarkable success stories, with several young people securing apprenticeship placements directly as a result of their involvement in the programme. It has been genuinely rewarding to witness their hard work, growing confidence and unwavering determination being recognised, as they take bold steps into promising new careers within the built environment.

Two outstanding examples of this success are Zinat and Shadiya. Through her journey on the programme, Zinat focussed on exploring a range of engineering disciplines and developing her practical skills. She has now secured a Smart Building Engineering Apprenticeship with building maintenance specialists Lloret, setting her firmly on the path toward a technical career she is passionate about. Meanwhile, Shadiya, inspired by the strong female role models she encountered during her work experience placements, has achieved a Level 6 Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship with construction and property consultancy Gardiner & Theobald. Their achievements are a testament to their drive, focus, and the transformative power of opportunity.

These are just two stories among many from what has been an exceptional cohort. This September, we saw an amazing 11 young people from the Places Educational Engagement Programme starting their apprenticeships in a range of exciting roles including architecture, electrical Installation, and quantity surveying.

Looking back over the past year, we’re proud to share that 39 young people who enrolled on our programme have successfully progressed into apprenticeship roles across the built environment sector. As we continue to support and inspire students at the schools partnered with the programme, we look forward to seeing many more begin their apprenticeship journeys.

These are exciting times for the Educational Engagement Programme and we anticipate many more success stories to come.

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, 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.