Quman, 17, is currently studying A levels in Maths, Physics, and Geography at Phoenix Academy. She had long been interested in engineering but wasn’t sure if it was a realistic or achievable goal. She had no personal connections in the sector and limited understanding of the different routes in. After connecting with us and starting our Educational Engagement Programme , in partnership with Places for London and their joint development partners – Barratt London, The Earls Court Development Company, Fastned, Grainger Plc and Helical – this began to change.

Quman was matched with a CYT coach who helped her explore her options and understand more about the industry. Together, they walked through the differences between university and apprenticeship routes, weighing up what would suit her skills, preferences and long-term ambitions. For Quman, university emerged as the right fit – and, through ongoing support and growing self-belief, Imperial College London became the goal.

Exposure to a wide range of relatable professionals played a major part in helping Quman see her ambitions as possible. Through CYT’s programme, she engaged directly with engineers, HR managers and social value professionals – hearing first-hand how they had entered and progressed in the sector. These stories helped dismantle barriers in her thinking and expanded her understanding of what a career in civil engineering could look like.

To build on this progress, her coach arranged a summer work experience placement with an engineering contractor. She’ll be shadowing an engineer on-site and getting a real insight into what the job involves day-to-day – strengthening her motivation and understanding even further.

Alongside industry insight, Quman worked with her coach on key employability skills – including CV writing, psychometric testing, and practising the STAR interview technique. She particularly enjoyed completing these tasks and is continuing to build the skills she’ll need for university and beyond.

With the help of CYT, Quman now sees civil engineering as a career that’s truly within reach. She’ll begin her university applications at the end of this year, with her sights firmly set on studying at Imperial.

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, Fastned, 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.