7th February 2024 Building Futures

#NAW2024 Top skills gained to support apprenticeship applications

At the heart of our Bridge to a Career in Construction programme is a commitment to nurturing the skills and ambitions of aspiring year 12 students in partnership with Mace Group.

To demystify the apprenticeship application process and provide valuable insights into what employers seek, we organised a high-octane team-building residential weekend. Hosted by Inspiring Learning, this weekend became a transformative experience for nine Bridge to Mace students.

Our aim was to provide these students with positive reinforcement of their skills and abilities and the weekends activities gave them real-life examples they could use in their apprenticeship applications. Feedback from one student captured the essence of the weekend saying:

“It gave us confidence and allowed me to overcome my fears and anxiety and let me overcome the voice that holds me back.”

The action-packed weekend included dynamic confidence building activities such as raft building, high ropes, team challenges as well as hearing from key speakers, including Grant Speed, Managing Director, from international headhunters, Odgers Berndston.

100% of students rated the residential experience as excellent or good and they unanimously agreed that the residential increased their interest in applying for an apprenticeship.

The personal growth and impact on the students were reflected in the feedback where students told us that the top skills they gained from the residential were; teamwork, confidence, a positive attitude and the ability to think about aiming high. All the students would recommend for others to take part.

“I feel like I have developed in confidence and social skills. At first, I was very hesitant and scared to speak up. I didn't feel very comfortable with everyone so I tend to turn to one person. However by the end of the residential I was able to lead group presentations and make new bonds of friendship with each individual. It was nice to feel accepted and understood by everyone and know that my weaknesses can also be my strengths.”

Read more about our Bridge to a Career in Construction programme or watch our Bridge VT.