As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering talent and encouraging young people into the construction industry, Sara Calvo, our dedicated Business Development Manager, recently delivered an inspiring employability workshop to students at Whitefield School in Walthamstow, in collaboration with Lisa Beresford from Taylor Wimpey.

The workshop targeted students preparing to leave school at the end of this academic year, offering them a glimpse into the exciting opportunities available in the construction sector—particularly through the scaffolding apprenticeships provided by SIMIAN.

For many young people, choosing a career path after school can feel daunting. Sara’s workshop was designed to make that transition a little easier. She covered key topics such as:

• The Benefits of Apprenticeships: Highlighting how hands-on learning, coupled with professional qualifications, sets students on a fast track to success.
• Career Potential in Construction: Exploring how scaffolding can be a gateway to a rewarding and secure career in a thriving industry.
• Essential Employability Skills: Sharing practical advice on CV writing, interview preparation, and workplace expectations.

Through interactive activities and real-world insights, the workshop aimed to empower students to see construction not just as a job, but as a fulfilling career with limitless potential. After the workshop, Sara emphasised SIMIAN’s role in shaping the next generation of scaffolding professionals. “It’s so important to show young people that the construction industry isn’t just about hard hats and steel-toed boots—it’s about problem-solving, teamwork, and building something that truly lasts,” she said.

The session was part of SIMIAN’s broader campaign to inspire school leavers to consider scaffolding apprenticeships. By working closely with schools like Whitefield, we aim to address skills shortages in the construction industry while creating new opportunities for young people in local communities.

The students at staff at Whitefield School were enthusiastic about the insights and advice Sara provided, one commented, “the session was positive and beneficial, Sara covered some very useful topics and provided some great tips (even for adults like myself!) My class definitely enjoyed the session and retained some of the information you taught, which is great.”

SIMIAN is committed to continuing its outreach efforts in schools, promoting the construction industry as an exciting and accessible career path. By investing in workshops like this, we’re not just growing our workforce—we’re inspiring the scaffolders of tomorrow.