London Museum work experience

We have teamed up with the Mayor’s Fund for London to offer an invaluable experience for young people seeking to join the construction industry.

Eight local college students spent the recent February half term at our London Museum project in Farringdon. 

As well as the opportunity to visit a live construction site, students engaged with professionals who have undertaken different career paths within the industry. 

They participated in activities mirroring multiple job roles and rounded off the week by using their newfound knowledge in a team-based competition to redesign Oxford Street, presenting their ideas to a panel of Sir Robert McAlpine colleagues. 

Alongside learning construction-specific skills, the students were encouraged to reflect on the importance of wider transferable qualities, such as communication, teamwork and organisation, to achieve shared objectives. 

They were also joined by Ed McAlpine, Chairman and Executive Partner of Sir Robert McAlpine, who listened to how the students’ experiences had influenced their perceptions about careers in construction. 

As Chair of the Construction Youth Trust, Ed is a passionate advocate for widening the construction talent pool and tackling the skills challenges faced by the industry. 

The team delivered the sessions in partnership with the Stanhope Foundation, which works with charities and businesses to help people find their first job, return to work or tackle employment issues.  

Those taking part in the placements are participating in the Mayor’s Fund for London employability programme, Access Aspiration, which provides high-quality careers support and guidance for 16–18 year-olds who are making key decisions about their future but struggling to make links with employers. 

Alex Ward, Senior Social Value Manager at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “Supporting local communities is integral to SRM and we were delighted to work alongside the Stanhope Foundation and the Mayor’s Fund for London to support eight young people who may not otherwise have been able to enjoy such an enriched experience in a live construction environment."

The students went away with insights into all areas of construction, from engineering to sustainability, and we hope this has inspired them to pursue a future career in the industry.
Alex Ward Senior Social Value Manager

Find out more about how we support students to enter the construction industry

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