The recent Meet the Employer event aimed to bridge the gap between education and employment by offering students a first hand look at the diverse career paths available within the construction sector. With 170 eager students in attendance and over 20 prominent construction companies participating, the event proved to be a resounding success, providing a platform for young minds to explore and try their hand at various trades.

With over 20 companies in attendance, ranging from established industry giants to innovative start-ups, students had the chance to network, ask questions, and gain invaluable insights into potential career paths. This direct interaction not only demystified the construction industry but also empowered students to make informed decisions about their future career journeys.

The hands-on experience was designed to ignite students’ passion for the construction trades. Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops and demonstrations, where they could roll up their sleeves and try their hand at various trades under the guidance of experienced professionals.

After attending the event Connor Ellis, Opportunity Co-ordinator for Project Zero said:

“The students I took enjoyed trying different skills such a soldering during their time at the event, they were also very interested into the scaffolding. I would highly recommended others to attend this event as it will make them more aware of the opportunities available in the construction industry.”

The impact of Meet the Employer extended far beyond the event itself. For many students, it served as a catalyst for inspiration and exploration, sparking an interest in a career path they may not have previously considered. By exposing them to the practical realities of the construction industry and showcasing the diverse opportunities available, SIMIAN LASC empowered students to envision a future where they play a vital role in shaping the built environment.

Furthermore, the event fostered meaningful connections between students and industry professionals, laying the foundation for potential mentorship opportunities, apprenticeships, and future employment prospects. By forging these connections early on, SIMIAN LASC has not only enriched the lives of individual students but also strengthened the talent pipeline within the construction industry, ensuring its continued growth and innovation.

Rachel Statter, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Aston Group commented:

The Meet The Employer Event at LASC has become one of our NAW student engagement  highlights of the past couple of years.  I am highly impressed with how efficient the organisation and communication has been. The organisers kept us fully informed at regular intervals both in the run up, and duration of the day itself, with a warm welcome and clear instructions about arrivals.
 
We were able to identify a number of potential future apprentices and work experience placements from the large amount of students that we spoke to.  We have already arranged for one person to be mentored by our engineers to allow her to complete her existing apprentice portfolio, with a view to employing her on a higher apprenticeship once finished.
 
I would definitely recommend the event to other employers as it is a fabulous way to meet local talent who are interested in joining the construction industry, network with other employers, and be supported by a competent team.

As an Enterprise Advisor for Waltham Forest Schools, Sara Calvo, also our Business Development Manager at SIMIAN LASC, said it was a pleasure to host many of the school’s she works with at the event as it is part of the journey to giving them insight into working with employers, and to help them to make the next important decisions for their futures.

Bringing together students and industry professionals in a collaborative and immersive setting with hands-on experience in shaping the future of the construction industry.

Speaking after the event, Amy Packer, Social Value Manager at Arc Group London Limited said:

It was great to meet so many people looking at a career in the construction industry, it’s a pleasure to be able to provide them with the information needed to the apprenticeships available and how they can apply for them.

Elain Patterson, Collaboration and Communications Officer for Acciona stated:

A good range of enquiries were made to us by the students/ visitors which I feel could lead to our apprenticeship vacancies being filled. 
I would recommend the event to others because the event houses construction related fields under one roof.