A new programme has launched in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea which aims to inspire sixth form students to consider a career in construction, the industry that touches every aspect of our daily lives and gives young people the opportunity to build and shape the world around us.
The construction industry’s youth charity, Construction Youth Trust, has joined forces with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to persuade the borough’s young talent to consider becoming tomorrow’s engineers, architects, surveyors and construction managers. The modern construction industry offers a vast array of careers, both on and offsite, whether that be working in an architect’s studio, an engineer’s design office or a virtual reality technology lab. Through Construction Youth Trust’s Budding Brunels programme, students will be inspired by a behind-the-scenes visit to a high profile, live construction site in the borough. They will meet industry role models and ambassadors who can stimulate their interest and challenge career stereotypes. Young people will also be given the chance to gain real work experience with construction partners and be connected with local career opportunities, such as higher level and degree apprenticeships as a debt-free alternative to full-time study at university.
Since 2013, almost 70% of the students who completed the Budding Brunels programme went on to pursue construction or Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) related employment, training or education.
Carol Lynch, CEO of Construction Youth Trust commented: “We need to attract young talent into the Built Environment sector and the Budding Brunels programme is a proven way of inspiring young people about the exciting role they can play building Britain’s future.
“For too long, young people have been unaware of the wide range of stimulating and rewarding careers the modern construction industry can offer, so we are delighted to be working together with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to help local young people, girls as well as boys, widen their career horizons.”
Cllr Will Pascall, Lead Member for Resident Services, added: “Students in Kensington and Chelsea achieve among the best GCSE and A level results of any borough in London, and this is a great opportunity for young people to build on their educational success and pursue a career in construction.
“The scheme gives our very own ‘Budding Brunels’ a chance to get directly involved by working with construction partners in the borough on some of London’s most exciting construction projects. The project will take place in the next academic year and Construction Youth will continue engaging with schools and employers in the coming months. More information on the Budding Brunels scheme: www.constructionyouth.org.uk/budding-brunels
