Industry collaboration showcases students’ design skills 

Charity Local Village Network (LVN) has adapted its school mentoring programme Amplify Me to help more than 250 students enter Design Future London. 

The built environment competition is run by the Mayor of London to get young people’s input into how they want their city to look in the future. 

LVN called on the built environment and construction industry to support its six-week programme. 

Participating companies include DP9, Keltbray, Lewisham Council, Morgan Sindall, Quod, Ridge, Tibbalds, Trowers, Turner & Townsend, VolkerFitzPatrick, and Wates. Each organisation has been matched with a London school or college. 

This academic term, students participating in the adapted version of the Amplify Me programme will be challenged to create a plan for the regeneration of a local area. 

The students choose an area they would like to see redeveloped and then work with volunteers from their matched company to create a plan for the project. 

Working as a team with the volunteers from the construction industry, they will develop drawings, documentation, and a model of their designs. 

This week, students are presenting their proposals and receiving feedback. 

Rachael Box, founder of LVN, said: “We are so thankful to the wonderful companies that have agreed to support us and the young people of London. They make such an impact on the students they work with. 

“Many young people start the Amplify Me programme with low self-confidence and a limited idea of what career they might want, or even how to get their first job. Amplify Me is powerful because it helps them recognise their existing strengths, and they learn the importance of building relationships and networking. 

“It’s amazing to see the change in each young person and the positive feedback from pupils, teachers, and volunteers. We’re so grateful to the companies that provide funding and volunteers, and we would love lots more to get involved.” 

Applications for Design Future London must be submitted by January 2024, and the winner is expected to be announced early in the New Year.