Construction summer school builds interest in future careers with Surrey students

Published July 20, 2026

News, Success stories, Training

Surrey students became property developers and construction workers for the week at a construction summer school. The hands-on work experience course for Year 10 students has been created by Wates hosted with Nescot in Epsom and part-funded by Surrey County Council.

Students from six schools across Surrey took part in the innovative event. The students, aged 14 and 15, spent a week exploring careers in construction and property.

They created plans for a housing development and presenting their ideas to industry professionals.

They also experienced a current Wates Residential construction site using Nescot’s immersive virtual reality pod.

Plus they tried operating heavy machinery using advanced construction simulators, practiced carpentry skills building timber structures and developed teamwork and problem solving at an outdoor activity centre.

The scheme was run by development, building and property maintenance company Wates Group. It was part funded by Surrey County Council. Delivery partners include Nescot, Neilcott Construction, community interest company LMP Action and social enterprise Serious about Youth.

About the construction summer school

The programme saw employers, education, community organisations and local government working together to offer modern work experience to the next generation of local workforce.

Almost 40 students took part in an exciting, interactive week. There was the chance to try new things, step outside their comfort zones and build confidence.

They left with a better understanding of how their strengths and interests could translate into future roles. It also opened their eyes to careers they may not have previously considered.

The programme has been running since 2017. It supports students interested in apprenticeships and vocational courses beyond their GCSEs, rather than A levels.

By offering exposure to college life, varied career options and positive role models, it encourages, inspires, and broadens students’ horizons.

The impact of the course can be significant. Following last year’s programme, 90% of participants reported a stronger understanding of career opportunities in construction. Plus 85% said the industry sounded exciting and 72% felt their employability skills had improved.

Construction summer school – reaction

A summer school student said: “I was nervous on Monday but I’ve realised I can make friends…coming here has made me feel I’ve still got it.”

Julie Kapsalis, CEO and Principal at Nescot, said: “This scheme is incredible, bringing together industry experts and our state-of-the-art learning facilities to inspire young people who are often right at the beginning of thinking about a potential career. The programme has given them a glimpse at everything from property development and project management to construction work, architecture and engineering. I’m proud of what they achieved, and I hope they will go forward with new confidence as they consider their options for the future.”

Su Pickerill, Head of Social Value at Wates Group, said: “The summer programme is a great example of how we aim to be brilliant locally, working alongside our communities to create opportunities that truly make a difference. It’s been inspiring to see young people step beyond their comfort zones, and I hope this experience has helped unlock their potential.”

Helping young people across Surrey

The partnership working between Wates and Nescot is supported by Surrey County Council as part of a wider project to help young people into work.

Other programmes include Experience Days. These invite young people into the college for a day to provide meaningful experiences of college life and curriculum areas. They understand their options, feel supported, and become confident about coming to a college after their GCSEs.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “This investment highlights the opportunities available in one of Surrey’s growing sectors and demonstrates Surrey’s commitment to innovative pathways into further education and employment. By working in partnership with employers, training providers and colleges, we can help more young people develop the skills they need, support business growth, and create positive outcomes for Surrey’s economy while ensuring no one is left behind.”

Neilcott Construction supported the practical element of the programme. This includes arranging skilled carpenters to guide students through reading drawings, using tools safely and constructing the timber towers.

Nescot offers courses on a range of construction trades including highways maintenance, brickwork, carpentry and joinery, plastering, plumbing and electrical installation.

It also offers a wide range of other courses for school leavers and adults. This includes motor vehicles, animal care, hair and beauty, computing and IT, performing arts, childcare and health and social care.

Discover more about studying at Nescot by calling 020 8394 3038, visiting www.nescot.ac.uk or emailing adviceteam@nescot.ac.uk.

Search training providers across Surrey via the STEP Surrey provider directory.

Two young people in high vis work together on a construction project

Teacher Encounters: connecting classrooms with the world of work

Published July 16, 2026

News

Over the course of the past academic year, the Teacher Encounters programme, delivered by Surrey Careers Hub, has brought education and industry closer together than ever before in Surrey. With over 100 teachers registered, 10 employers engaged, and 10 encounters delivered, the programme has proven to be a powerful and inspiring initiative.

A year of meaningful connections

Teacher Encounters was designed with a simple but important goal: to give educators first-hand insight into the world of work so they can better inform and inspire their students. Across the programme, teachers stepped out of the classroom and into a wide range of workplaces, gaining valuable knowledge about industries, career pathways and the skills employers need today.

The Careers Hub team were proud to partner with 10 diverse employers, each offering a unique perspective on the modern workforce: Ringway, M Group, RSM, CGI, Cambertronics, RHS Wisley, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Supermassive Games and Animal & Plant Health Agency.

From engineering and healthcare to creative arts, technology, and environmental science, the breadth of experiences showcased the richness of career opportunities available within Surrey.

Impact in the classroom and beyond

The true measure of success for Teacher Encounters lies in its ripple effect. Each of the 100+ participating teachers now returns to their students equipped with fresh insights, real-world examples and enhanced confidence in discussing career pathways. In addition, the employers are better connected to their local schools and have a clearer understanding of how they can support and engage with students.

Through these encounters, teachers have:

Deepened their understanding of local labour market opportunities
Discovered emerging roles and industries
Gained practical examples to enrich curriculum delivery
Built ongoing relationships with employers.

This direct connection between education and industry is vital in helping young people make informed decisions about their futures and it has enabled employers to build connections with local schools and start building their future talent pipeline.

Voices from the programme

The feedback from participants speaks volumes about the programme’s impact. Teachers shared their views:
“Huge thanks to you and the team at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, what a truly brilliant day it was for so many reasons!”
“Just wanted to say the teacher encounter was amazing and very well planned and delivered. Thank you for the opportunity.”
“I had the best day. It was such a breath of fresh air and so interesting. I honestly learnt so much!! Thank you for having me!”

These reflections highlight not only the value of the experiences, but also the enthusiasm and appreciation from the teachers who took part.

A collaborative success

The success of the Teacher Encounters programme would not have been possible without the commitment of our employer partners, who opened their doors and shared their expertise, and the dedication of teachers who embraced the opportunity to learn and engage. Each encounter was carefully planned and delivered to ensure meaningful, engaging experiences that went beyond observation – encouraging dialogue, exploration and genuine collaboration.

Opportunities were embraced on both sides: employers had the opportunity to introduce their business and industry to teachers, making clear links between the world of work and education. Teachers were able to meet a range of staff from each workplace, learning about employees’ roles, career paths, recruitment processes and industry tips and tricks from apprentices and graduates.

By continuing to strengthen the link between education and employment, Surrey Careers Hub is not only supporting teachers, but also helping to shape a more informed, confident and future-ready workforce for Surrey.

Businesses that would like to learn more about Surrey Careers Hub, and get involved in the work they do should visit our Business Surrey website.

Devolved adult skills funding to support residents into work

Published July 1, 2026

News, Training

Fully-funded training opportunities to help Surrey residents start and prosper in work will go live from September thanks to the first tranche of devolved adult skills funding.

As part of the County Deal secured in 2024, responsibilities and funding worth millions of pounds have been transferred from Whitehall to Surrey County Council.

This provides greater local oversight and control over skills and training opportunities for local residents. In time, it will support wider efforts to grow the regional economy.

A full list of those providing opportunities in Surrey will be available via our Provider Directory in the coming weeks.

What is devolved adult skills funding?

Surrey’s total adult education package for the next financial year includes £11.2 million in the Adult Skills Fund. This which equips adults with the skills needed for get into work and progress their career. Subjects include English, Maths and Digital Skills.

The council’s cabinet this week (30 June, 2026) approved the approach to award the funding to training providers and colleges for the coming academic year.

The paper outlined how direct grants have been provisionally awarded to 13 local providers to continue delivering courses from September.

Further sums will be allocated via a competitive process.

All awards are subject to approval of a delivery plan and cabinet member sign off. These are expected in the coming weeks.

The devolved adult skills package also includes £1 million to deliver Free Courses for Jobs. This provides Level 2 and Level 3 courses for low-earners and those currently out of work. £180,000 is ring-fenced to construction.

A further round of Skills Bootcamps worth £1.5 million is also confirmed. This ensures hundreds of Surrey residents will receive free fast-track training in growing sectors.

The Post-16 Capacity Fund is worth £7.7 million. It funds capital improvements to classrooms and teaching spaces in further education and sixth form colleges, ensuring future learner demand can be met.

Any provider can submit an application to deliver Adult Skills Fund or Free Courses for Jobs via the Business Surrey website by Wednesday July 8.

“Skills to help people, employers and economy to grow”

Matt Furniss, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey has a vibrant diverse economy worth £50 billion a year – but we know that not everyone is benefiting from the opportunities on offer, with nearly 27,000 residents currently out of work who want to work.

“Investing in providing people with the skills they need to start or progress in work is one way we can address this.

“With adult skills funding now devolved, we will be able to use local evidence and local connections to further develop an approach that works for Surrey, helping our people, employers and wider economy to grow.”

Full details of those providing courses will be available on the STEP Surrey website when live.