As part of our collaboration with Places for London on their Educational Engagement Programme, students across our Hubs took part in week-long work experience placements hosted by Places for London and one of its Joint Venture Development Partners – The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC).

Across these organisations, 18 young people were given the opportunity to improve their understanding of the built environment and the work of their host company, as well as to develop the skills needed to thrive in the workplace.

Ten of the students spent a week with Places for London where they worked in teams to create a development plan for Wembley Park Gardens – an exciting new urban neighbourhood by another Joint Development Partner, Barratt London. They were also able to visit this development on a site tour to really bring their ideas to life. Having gained valuable insight into the planning and stages of a new development, each team presented their proposals to a panel of senior members of the Places for London team on the final day.

The ECDC hosted two smaller groups of students over two consecutive weeks. Their programme followed a similar pattern of immersive activities designed to provide students with insight into the world-of-work and included design workshops and customer strategy sessions.

Each round of placements received hugely positive feedback from the young people, who particularly valued the chance to build a professional network with the employers who took part. Many have reported they now feel enthusiastic and motivated about their potential career paths ahead!

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.