Nineteen Year 12 students (aged 16 to 17) from across our Hubs took part in our three-day Building Future Skills (BFS) programme in collaboration with Places for London and its Joint Venture partners Barratt London, The Earls Court Development Company, Grainger plc and Helical.

The programme was hosted at Places for London’s offices at Palestra House in Southwark, where students participated in fun team activities and skill-building masterclasses designed to introduce them to the range of inspiring careers in the construction and built environment industry. Activities included career networking, an apprenticeship Q&A, building design sessions, presentation skills and mock interviews.

A key feature of the programme was the design challenge. This involved students working in teams following a project brief to create a design for Helical’s redevelopment site at 100 New Bridge Street. They were even given a site tour with the main contractor, Mace, which really brought their work on the challenge to life! On the final day, each team presented a competitive pitch to a judging panel of industry professionals who selected the winning design.

Throughout the programme, students connected with staff at Places for London, Helical, Barratt London, Grainger and Mace – meeting a broad spectrum of professionals, from Property Development Managers to Chief Operations Officers. They really valued the chance to hear about varied career paths and what it’s like working in the various areas of the industry, as well as the skills and insights they developed in the workplace.

Volunteers from these organisations were amazed by the enthusiasm students demonstrated through team tasks and how each group approached the project brief.

Places for London are now arranging work experience placements this Autumn, with places open to students from their partner schools as well as young people who took part in the BFS. We look forward to inspiring more young people as we continue our fantastic work together!

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.