During my time at LDE, I studied a Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, A-Level Art and Design, Level 3 Mathematical Studies, and also undertook an Extended Project Qualification. The support of the staff and knowledge I was able to gain from the UTC, is what made me who I am and able to get to where I am today alongside my hard work and determination. The unique opportunities given to work with employers on-site, such as Bouygues, has allowed me to gain the necessary skills and knowledge, to expand upon, for creating a high-quality standard of work that is required at university. The ability to network with employers is key; having contacts within the construction industry allowed me to gain a work experience placement, at LDE.

‘Don’t Look Back on Missed Opportunities’

I joined London Design and Engineering UTC (LDE UTC) in late Year 9. It was daunting to change schools halfway through secondary, but I knew it was the right decision—I wasn’t happy at my previous school, and I needed a fresh start. When I arrived at LDE, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I chose to study Construction and the Built Environment at GCSE, and that’s where my passion for construction began to grow. At first, I was set on becoming an architect. Thanks to LDE’s strong employer engagement, I had the opportunity to join the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Youth Forum for two years. In Year 11, I completed a work experience placement at Maccreanor Lavington, an architecture practice. It was during that week that I realised architecture wasn’t the right path for me after all. It was a scary moment—realising I needed to change career direction just as I was starting my A Levels, which I had already chosen around architecture. I spoke with our Career’s Lead, Janice, who suggested I try a site management placement with Morgan Sindall. This idea excited me because I had already visited their Manor Road project and taken part in several employer engagement activities, including mock interviews and employer-led projects. After completing the placement, I returned to the site several times to see the project’s progress and gain more hands-on experience. That experience gave me the clarity and confidence I needed—I knew I wanted to pursue a career in site management. At a careers fair, I met Lauren, the Social Value Manager at Hill Group. I was impressed by the company, and after seeing another student successfully apply, I submitted my own application. A month later, I received an offer to join Hill’s Management Trainee Scheme. LDEUTC were also very supportive as I am a young carer for my mother. It was hard balancing exams and coursework as well as caring for my mother but LDE helped me pull through. I’ve now been with Hill for nine months. My time at LDE UTC prepared me well for the transition into full-time work, especially because of its focus on professionalism and a business-like environment. Meeting employers, constructing professional documents, taking part in mock interviews and learning how to give strong evidence based responses to interview questions, really supported me to successfully secure my apprenticeship. I’m excited to continue growing in the industry and look forward to what comes next. Careers Lead – Janice Tricks We are incredibly proud of Skye. Moving to a new college at the age of 13 is brave decision however Skye approached her time with us with a commitment to her future. She utilised everything we could offer, was a model learner from day one and went over and above to ensure that she took advantage of everything LDEUTC could offer. She took chances, learnt what she did and didn’t like and finally found the career for her. She is thriving in her new environment and has demonstrated that even when things are testing, as they were in year 8 for her, that as long as you focus and make use of everything available to you, that you can make it through. This degree apprenticeship with Hill group has already had a huge impact on Skye and her life chances. Our college motto is ‘Don’t Look Back on Missed Opportunities’ Skye has only ever looked forward.