Westminster recently took part in the Morgan Sindall Building Future Skills (BFS) programme delivering a dynamic three-day event designed to help young people gain hands-on experience, develop essential skills, and explore diverse career pathways within the construction industry. Held from 25 to 27 March, the programme brought together students, industry professionals, and education leaders to inspire the next generation of construction talent.
On the first day, students arrived at Marylebone Campus and were welcomed by Monica Paul, Community Investment Manager at Morgan Sindall, who introduced the BFS programme and team. She was joined by colleagues and facilitators from the Construction Youth Trust (CYT), who supported students throughout the event.
Tom Ashman, Business Engagement Projects Manager at Westminster, gave an insightful talk on higher education opportunities and career routes into the construction sector. This was followed by a high-energy icebreaker led by CYT to help students connect and build rapport.
The morning continued with a Careers Networking and Q&A session featuring a diverse group of industry professionals including Elliott Shaw, David Bryon, Elizabeth McNally and Monica Paul, who shared their career journeys and offered practical advice, representing both apprenticeship and university pathways.
Students then began a team-based project challenge, working in groups to develop sustainable design ideas for a real-world brief connected to the University’s enterprise hub development at 29 Marylebone Road, also known as Zone29.
In the afternoon, the group visited Zone29. Led by site team members Matthew Whitefoot and Monica Paul, the visit included a health and safety briefing, a presentation by Elliott Shaw, and a site tour offering a look at how various roles come together to deliver a project.
Gurcan Sanli, Student Recruitment and Outreach Officer at Westminster, also supported the day by discussing pathways into higher education and apprenticeships, reinforcing the link between academic and vocational routes.
Throughout the programme, students engaged directly with professionals across a range of roles, gaining insights into the construction industry and developing teamwork, problem-solving and presentation skills. A highlight was the final showcase, where teams presented their design solutions to a panel of industry experts who offered feedback to help build their confidence and professional skills.
The BFS programme represents a valuable collaboration between Westminster, Morgan Sindall and CYT, empowering young people to explore exciting careers in construction.
Linsey Cole, Director of Business Engagement, said: “We were delighted to work with Morgan Sindall and the Construction Youth Trust to support young people to develop their skills and learn more about opportunities in construction. Through this event, we're bringing to life our vision for Zone29 by engaging our local community to develop their skills, in a place of learning and development, and we hope to continue this effort during the remainder of the construction process and once the building opens.”
Westminster’s contribution to the BFS programme directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Zone29 at the University of Westminster.
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