As part of Broadgate Future Talent, a five-year collaborative project between CYT, British Land and Sir Robert McAlpine (SRM) to widen access to apprenticeship pathways for diverse young Londoners, we facilitated a Live Vacancies Day for current Year 13 students from across our Hubs. We worked with six Broadgate employers* who were able to offer ten apprenticeships in a range of popular roles including quantity surveying, project management and engineering. What an opportunity for our young people!

Our coaches handpicked 25 young people best suited to the vacancies employers had on offer, to attend SRM’s office in Broadgate and showcase their employability skills through assessment centre activities – including a group project focused on overcoming challenges, application-based tasks and mock interviews. One of the most inspirational elements of the day was the Q&A with current apprentices, including CYT alumni, who had faced the same process this time last year. A range of topics were covered, from the daily tasks of an apprentice to navigating the rigorous recruitment process, giving young people a buzz of motivation to enter their mock interviews.

There was dedicated 1-2-1 time scheduled in for young people to network with employers and ask tailored questions about their career paths, the application process, and their personal experiences of the industry which they wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.

Following a successful event, young people are eager to secure an apprenticeship with one of the employers we connected them with – in fact, 18 young people have already applied with the number still growing!

We wish this cohort of young professionals the best of luck with their applications and look forward to following their journeys into entering rewarding and inspiring careers in the industry. A huge thank you to all employers involved, this fantastic, eye-opening opportunity would not have been possible without all your support.

*Core Five, Evaluation Consultants, Gardiner & Theobald, Hall & Kay, Ruddy Joinery and SRM.

Live Vacancies Days are employer-led events facilitated in collaboration with Construction Youth Trust’s industry partners, with the prime focus of connecting employers with open vacancies to local upcoming talent, catapulting our young people onto their journey to achieving their full career potential.