Going Above and Beyond for the Community

On this project Lendlease has partnered with Ark Academies in Southwark to help develop students’ skills in two local schools. The schools; Ark Walworth and Ark Globe Academies, have been benefiting from the Professional Pathways programme – a study programme for students aged 16 to 18 delivered in the form of work related sessions by Lendlease volunteers.

Working with the same cohort of young people for two academic years, the programme is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge on both their chosen subject, business, as well as understand the practical application in a real setting and is equivalent to three A-Levels once completed. The sessions focus on educational engagement and offer everything from careers advice and guidance to site visits and work-related projects focusing on our different departments.

The first session – hosted by Rob Heasman, our Project Director at Elephant Park – provided an overview of the project and was so greatly received. Students were able to understand the unique complexities and accomplishments of the development located just across the road from their school. Topics as already covered include marketing and events, international business, Sustainability, sales, recruitment, BIM and innovation with presentation skills, CV development and effective use of LinkedIn still to come.

With every session held, students become clearer of their next steps with some of them identifying a role within the built environment as a first choice.

Eleanor Barnes, the Programme leader quotes:

“I’ve seen my students’ confidence and professionalism blossom as a result of Lendlease’s support and engagement”.