News & Views Summer WEX Programme with NESCOT Back to news & views We loved taking part in the NESCOT x Wates construction summer, helping young people from across Surrey explore the wide range of careers available within construction and the built environment. The week-long programme welcomed almost 40 Year 10 students, aged 14 and 15, from six Surrey schools. It was part-funded by Surrey County Council and delivered alongside Neilcott Construction, LMP Action and Serious About Youth. Throughout the week, the students took part in a varied programme of practical activities, workshops and team challenges designed to build confidence, develop employability skills and introduce them to career paths they may not previously have considered. The students worked together to create plans for a new housing development before presenting their ideas to a panel of industry professionals. They also explored a live residential construction site through NESCOT’s immersive virtual reality facilities, tested their skills using construction plant simulators and took part in outdoor activities focused on teamwork and problem-solving. Opening Doors to Future Careers The summer programme has been running since 2017 and is designed to support young people who may be considering apprenticeships, vocational training or alternative routes into further education and employment. By bringing together employers, education providers, community organisations and local government, the programme gives students access to positive role models and meaningful workplace experiences outside the traditional classroom environment. Taking part in initiatives such as the NESCOT Summer Programme allows us to share the breadth of opportunities available within our industry while helping young people recognise their own strengths and potential. Continuing Our Support for NESCOT Students Our involvement in the summer programme builds on Neilcott’s wider relationship with NESCOT and our ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for its students. We also recently welcomed a group of Level 1 Carpentry students to one of our live construction projects in Molesey for a week-long work experience placement. The students gained first-hand insight into how a construction site operates, saw how different trades work together and had the opportunity to put their developing skills into practice. As part of the placement, the students worked alongside experienced construction professionals to create bird boxes that will be installed at the project following completion. The experience helped them build confidence, improve their practical skills and gain a better understanding of the behaviours and standards expected within the industry.
