Hendri was a 17-year-old high achiever in his first year of sixth form when we first met him. He was interested in quantity surveying but had no work experience and limited knowledge of the role. He was feeling stuck and wanted help mapping out his next steps.

He attended one of our presentations at his school and signed up to our Building Future Skills programme. This allowed him to go on a tour of a live construction site where he met a range of industry volunteers. Hendri got talking to a quantity surveyor who spoke about their day-to-day tasks and the route they took to get where they were. He found this conversation hugely beneficial and came away itching to find out more!

In the summer between finishing our Building Future Skills and starting our Pathways to Professional Careers programme, we connected him with a week of work experience where he had the chance to shadow a quantity surveyor. He absolutely loved gaining first-hand experience of the role and this vindicated his aspirations to pursue this pathway further.

Through regular 1-2-1 meetings, Hendri’s coach helped him create a detailed career plan and compelling CV, as well as practice with mock interviews. We invited him to a Live Vacancies Day where he met with employers with open vacancies – and he felt ready to begin applying for apprenticeships.

We’re delighted to report that Hendri was offered the position of apprentice quantity surveyor with a London-based construction company in July 2023, and has successfully started his role. He is overjoyed to have found his passion and is thriving in the workplace!

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.