Construction Youth Trust is one of the Company’s Major Grant holders, receiving an award of £50,000 in 2021. They use a relationship model to work closely with young people from some of the least advantaged parts of London, creating success by helping put them on the path to careers in construction.

It’s no surprise to read in Construction Youth Trust’s literature that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds often face more barriers to employment than their better-off peers. 

There may be a whole variety of reasons for this which may culminate in low aspirations and self-limiting beliefs. The fact is that some young people need sustained support and appropriate opportunities in order that they can channel their drive and ambition.

‘I felt like a lost soul with no direction. I knew I wanted a job in construction but didn’t know how to get started. I was tired of false promises from other companies that said they would help me. I basically gave up all hope until I received a phone call from Tony [Joshua’s CYT coach] that changed my life’.  Joshua from Southwark 

Construction Youth Trust’s Building Opportunities programme supports young people who are not in education, employment or training. By matching their individual skills and interests with relevant opportunities in the construction and built environment sector these young people stand a chance of getting their foot on the employment ladder. 

Young people receive 1-2-1 coaching support and ongoing employer engagement. They are supported for as long as they need to achieve a meaningful next step. 

Fundamental to their approach is the bespoke Individual Action Plan which is created between each young person and their mentor. Each Plan is based on the interests, strengths, and goals of the young person and may include: 

• Employability support, including employer-led CV workshops and mock interviews
• World-of-work experiences such as site-visits and practical tasters
• Supported introductions to local opportunities, eg, local employers, Further Education providers
• Level 1 Health & Safety and CSCS card training (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) where relevant
• On-going support once the young person is in employment, education or training to ensure progression is sustained

Of the 102 unemployed young people who have started the programme since June 2021, 65% have either achieved a Level 1 Health & Safety in Construction qualification or progressed into employment, education, or training (EET) opportunities and 20% are still engaged and receiving ongoing support. Young people have transitioned into a wide range of EET outcomes, including apprenticeships, Level 1-3 college courses and full-time job opportunities.

Tony, one of Construction Youth Trust’s mentors, says, ‘I see young people who came in with low confidence, lack of self-belief and have no vision of their future, leaving as young adults who have a vision and new-found confidence to achieve whatever they want’. 

One of those young people who now has confidence and vision is Joshua. Having secured his Level 1 Health and Safety course he then attended a number of employability sessions including CV and application masterclasses and mock interviews. With the help of his CYT coach, Tony, he passed his CSCS test and began his electrical apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty in the summer. 

The Construction industry has a huge role to play in fulfilling the employment dreams and professional ambitions of disadvantaged young people. Good luck to Joshua and them all, as they continue to build opportunities and an exciting life for themselves. 

‘We are so grateful to the Haberdashers’ Company and all of our partners who are so instrumental in the success of Construction Youth Trust. We very much look forward to continuing to develop our partnership to create even more impact for the young people we serve’. Carol Lynch, CEO