Employees from St James’, who are currently developing two sites on the Albert Embankment, shared their insider knowledge about a range of careers – including design and architecture, project directing and site management.
The engineering students learned all about the different routes into the industry, the qualifications required, what people do on a daily basis and what gives them job satisfaction. They were encouraged to ask questions and taken on-site to see a 1950s office block being demolished. One student said “This has made my week. I can definitely see myself on a construction site one day”.
Cllr Jackie Meldrum, deputy leader of Lambeth Council, who joined the students on their visit said: “Young people really benefit from meeting professionals at work. And seeing the wide range of jobs involved in big construction projects. By going out to workplaces and seeing what work is really like young people can begin to see where they and their friends could be working in a few years’ time – there will be thousands of jobs in Nine Elms over the next few years.”
The visit was part of the Education Links programme, which is using the regeneration of Nine Elms on the South Bank to inspire local young people about careers and to act as a learning resource. Primary and secondary students across Lambeth and Wandsworth, get help with the skills they need to move more easily from school into the work place.
Sean Ellis, Chairman of St James’ Group said: “We think it’s important to bring to life the whole range of skills and careers that are needed for the development of our towns and cities. We encourage all our employees to get involved with inspiring the next generation of engineers and site managers.”
Activities are linked to the curriculum and include site visits, speakers, workshops and work experience placements. Students could even progress into Traineeships or Apprenticeships with the companies involved.
Volunteer to share your career insights
If you would like to share your work experiences with Lambeth students and help them prepare for the world of work then you could sign up to the Inspiring the Future website and volunteer just a few hours.
