Building careers through social Value – from Wates to the BBC
At Wates, we’re committed to transforming lives in the communities where we work, especially by supporting the next generation to thrive.
We do this by harnessing the power of social value. For those looking to take their first steps into the built environment, we offer a wide range of work experience and early careers programmes that help individuals unlock their potential and reimagine their futures.
This National Career Development Month, we’re proud to highlight the real-world impact of that commitment – opening doors, building confidence, and empowering individuals through initiatives like our 12 Estates joint venture with Havering Council.
As part of this commitment, we’ve partnered with social enterprise Mediorite to produce video content for our regeneration projects in Havering, including the New Green and Waterloo and Queen Street schemes. Crucially, our agreement with Mediorite includes a requirement to provide paid work placements for young people from the borough – ensuring that our investment directly benefits the local community.
For Havering resident Niamh Gibbs, one of those placements became the first step on a journey she never imagined possible.
Niamh began her placement with Mediorite working on video updates for the regeneration schemes. Her talent and enthusiasm quickly stood out, and she soon supported the production of Platinum Jubilee celebration videos, helping other young people with experience of the care system access paid work experience too.
These opportunities helped Niamh develop vital skills in communication and attention to detail – skills that proved invaluable when she joined the BBC’s award-winning show Race Across the World as an Accounts Assistant.
Today, she thrives in a fast-paced production environment, managing everything from reimbursements to international payments, and ensuring the show runs smoothly behind the scenes.
My work experience gave me the confidence to network and put myself out there.
“It’s quite cool to think I started out submitting my first invoice for the New Green development with no idea what to put on it – and now I’m processing high-value international payments and spotting errors before they happen!
“Working alongside other creative people who want to make ambitious things happen is a special sort of magic, especially when everyone pulls together to overcome hurdles or solve a problem.”
Niamh Gibbs
As we celebrate the seventh anniversary of our partnership with Wates Residential, Niamh’s story is a powerful example of how investing in people through meaningful opportunities can lead to personal growth, professional success, and a stronger, more connected and representative creative industry.”
Councillor Ray Morgon
Leader of Havering Council
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