Daniella, 18, joined our Pathways to Professional Careers programme while she was studying her A levels. She liked the idea of doing an apprenticeship after school but wasn’t sure which industry would suit her best. She knew nothing about construction but when she attended our introductory session at her school, she was instantly intrigued by the scope of this industry, so joined our programme to find out more.

In order to introduce Daniella to the range of incredible careers in the construction and built environment sector, we arranged for her to visit a live construction site. There she met sustainability, project and site managers – and had the chance to ask them about their career routes and what life was really like working in construction. She loved the dynamic atmosphere on site and quickly decided she wanted to secure a site-based role. Having researched roles with her CYT coach, site management was something she thought would play to her strengths and offer a clear progression route. She was beginning to see an exciting career path ahead of her.

As she attended our programme sessions, Daniella was connected with many industry volunteers, and enjoyed finding out more about their roles. One stood out to her – an industry volunteer from a major housebuilding company offering higher-level degree apprenticeships in site management. During their conversation, she discussed progression opportunities within the role and found out more about the company. She was immediately sold and decided to apply. To her delight, she was invited along to interview and put the skills she’d learnt during our mock interviews into practice. She excelled and was offered the role!

Daniella begins her apprenticeship next month, and we wish her the best of luck in her exciting new adventure!

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.

Our Pathways to Professional Careers programme supports students (aged 16-18) interested in pursuing professional pathways, with a priority focus on those from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented groups. Research shows that young people from well-off backgrounds are 80% more likely to be in a professional job. Pathways aims to level the apprenticeship playing field, helping young people overcome barriers and access rewarding higher-level and degree apprenticeship opportunities and professional careers.