When we talk about the future of the built environment, we often focus on the big challenges ahead – building the homes our communities need, delivering vital infrastructure and finding ways to heat and cool these buildings in a more cost-efficient way.
But behind every development, regeneration project and piece of new infrastructure are the people who make them happen. The future of our industry depends not only on the projects we deliver, but also on whether we can inspire, support and develop the people who will build them.
Across the UK, demand for skilled people continues to grow, yet many young people remain unaware of the breadth of opportunities available within the built environment.
Construction is often viewed through a narrow lens, focused on a handful of traditional roles, when in reality it offers careers spanning architecture, engineering, planning, project management, sustainability, health and safety, commercial management, social value and much more. That’s why programmes like our summer programme matter.
Rather than simply talking to young people about careers, we aim to help them experience them, as close to real life as we can get.
This year, students stepped into the role of property developers, working in teams to create a housing scheme inspired by the regeneration of Wembley. They balanced budgets, responded to client briefs, considered sustainability and community needs, built large-scale models and presented their proposals to industry professionals. In doing so, they gained a practical insight into the challenges and collaboration involved in delivering major developments.
Along the way, students experienced modern construction through Nescot’s specialist facilities, including immersive technology and industry-standard simulators. They also met people working across the sector, hearing first-hand about their career journeys and the different routes into the industry.
Explore our gallery: Highlights from the Nescot summer programme
Young people often need to see what is possible before they can imagine themselves there. Meeting professionals from different backgrounds and understanding that there are multiple paths to success can make future opportunities feel more real and more achievable.
Throughout the week, students also developed what are sometimes described as ‘invisible CV’ qualities, such as confidence, resilience, professionalism and initiative, which can be just as important as technical knowledge when young people move into further education, apprenticeships and employment.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme is seeing confidence grow.
Young people who may never have considered a career in the built environment discover opportunities that match their strengths and interests. Others leave with something equally important: a greater belief in themselves and their potential, whatever they do next.
Not every student who takes part will go on to work in construction, and that’s not the point.
If we want to create thriving communities, we need to invest in people as well as places. For me, that’s what the summer programme is all about: helping young people recognise their potential, discover new possibilities and take their next step with confidence.
