Reimagining careers – Shifting perceptions and strengthening pathways
Reimagining careers – Shifting perceptions and strengthening pathways
On 18 February 2026, our Construction business hosted its first Reimagining Careers event, bringing together career leaders, youth advisors and teachers from local schools and colleges to rethink how we connect education with opportunity in construction.
The day was led by Martine Whale-Corbett, Social Value Manager for our Construction London business, who facilitated open and honest discussions about how we can better support young people into the industry.
With the UK construction sector needing over 250,000 new workers by 2028 (CITB), and nearly half of students reporting that construction was never discussed in their careers advice, the session focused on changing perceptions and strengthening pathways.
Conversations explored the breadth of roles alongside the practical challenges surrounding T Levels, apprenticeships and work experience placements. Hearing directly from educators was central to the day.
“It was incredibly valuable to hear directly from educators about the challenges they’re facing. The discussions gave us real insight into how we can work more creatively to support apprenticeships and T Levels, ensuring placements and pathways truly meet the needs of both students and industry.”
Gary Campbell-Dykes – Education Director at Wates Construction
The collaborative approach resonated strongly with attendees. One educator from Capital City College shared:
I wanted to thank you for hosting such an engaging and insightful Reimagining Careers event. It was fantastic to hear about the diverse career pathways available and to better understand how, as a training provider, we can further engage our students in exploring these opportunities and broadening their career aspirations.”
The event created space not only to challenge outdated stereotypes of construction, but to build practical solutions together.
“Together, we explored the breadth of opportunities within the construction industry, with a particular focus on preconstruction roles, T Levels, the challenges surrounding work experience, and how we can collectively bridge the gap between classroom learning and work readiness.”
Martine Whale-Corbett – Social Value Manager for Wates Construction London
Reimagining Careers marked an important step in influencing those who influence young people – strengthening partnerships and reinforcing our commitment to building a more visible, inclusive and sustainable talent pipeline.
