Sir Robert McAlpine spearheads project supporting diverse talent 

A collaborative five-year project has been launched to create new apprenticeship pathways for young Londoners. 

Broadgate Future Talent includes many organisations involved in the redevelopment of Broadgate, spearheaded by British Land and Sir Robert McAlpine, and supported by charity partner Construction Youth Trust (CYT). 

The project aims to introduce young people from the City’s neighbouring communities to all aspects of the built environment sector and help develop their employability. 

CYT, British Land and Sir Robert McAlpine are working together to forge partnerships with other Broadgate employers who have pledged financial and in-kind support for the project. 

At a recent launch event, CYT invited its patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, to showcase how a major London development can support social mobility and workforce diversity. 

The event was held on the final day of a three-day Building Future Skills course – a programme run by CYT to support young people into industry careers. 

The winning team from the 16–17-year-old participants were presented awards by The Duke, following which three of last year’s cohort, now higher-level degree apprentices, took part in a panel interview to discuss their career journey and their future plans as young professionals.

Carol Lynch, Construction Youth Trust CEO, said: “We expect Broadgate Future Talent to engage 500 young people from low socio-economic groups each year. 

“Through the delivery of inspiring sessions in schools in Central London Forward boroughs, as well as immersive world-of-work experiences and support from our coaches and industry mentors, we will tackle hidden barriers and many young talents will achieve their career potential as a direct result of this project.”

Paul Hamer, chief executive at Sir Robert McAlpine, added: “As an industry we need to attract a greater diversity of talent, and we are looking for under-represented young people who will spearhead developments in the future. 

“The quality of students we are seeing come to us through this project is outstanding. We want to employ them; we want them to be part of the future of our business.”