Ethan joined our Pathways to Professional Careers programme as a driven and bright young man. Studying Maths and Economics A-Levels at Ark Walworth Academy, he knew he wanted to apply his enjoyment of maths to a future career. However, he wasn’t sure of available roles that matched his aspirations.

Through our Pathways programme, Ethan was given the opportunity to meet with a range of relatable professionals working in the construction industry. He was also given 1-2-1 support from his Construction Youth Trust coach to develop his employability skills. It was through these experiences that Ethan realised the wealth of potential opportunities the construction and built environment sector could offer him and spurred his interest to find out more about the different possible routes to enter the sector.

Ahead of the mock interview session, Ethan had some initial pre-interview nerves. However, he found confidence through reassurance from Construction Youth Trust team members and impressed the interviewer so much he successfully secured a two-week work experience placement! Ethan had a great time on work experience, which he found “super helpful” and loved the opportunity to have “two weeks of learning, studying and being integrated into a team”.

Spurred on by his work experience success, Ethan worked with his Construction Youth Trust coach to further develop his confidence, CV writing skills and knowledge of future pathways available to him. Through the Pathways pilot he was introduced to the possibility of applying for a higher-level degree apprenticeship as an alternative route to university – something that he hadn’t considered before. Ethan performed so well at the mock assessment centre he secured a further one-week work experience placement with the Sports Team.

During this placement Ethan was made to really feel part of the team and felt that the organisation’s “culture was amazing”. The week had an instrumental impact on Ethan’s career journey and as a result of all his hard work the organisation offered him a higher-level degree apprenticeship in quantity surveying. We wish Ethan the best of luck for the future and are looking forward to following his progress.

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.