School students gain valuable insight into construction careers at Greenwich Peninsula
Four young people have gained a unique insight into the construction industry through work experience at Greenwich Peninsula, L&Q’s largest ever in-house development.
Eleonore, Leah, Tommy and Callum swapped the classroom for a site office, where they learned first-hand about the wide range of careers available in construction.
Aged 16-18, the students were given a behind-the-scenes view of the scale and complexity of a £8.4bn regeneration project. Through personalised work booklets, hazard walks, colleague presentations and interactive activities, they explored areas such as design and technical, programming, commercial management and logistics.
The one-week placement highlighted the breadth of opportunities beyond traditional trade roles, from engineering and planning to project management.
It also showed how young people’s skills and interests could align with careers in an industry facing a significant labour shortage.
David Lewis, Executive Director of Property and Investment:
“If we’re serious about solving the housing crisis, we must also solve the skills crisis. With the average construction worker aged over 50, we urgently need to attract and inspire the next generation.
That’s why it’s so encouraging to see Eleonore, Leah, Tommy and Callum exploring the wide range of careers on our Greenwich Peninsula project. This is about building the homes people need, and giving young people the chance to be part of something that really matters.”
Graduate Site Manager, Rebecca Belcher, 23, who mentored the students, added:
“I enjoyed showing the students what life in construction is really like and highlighting the rewarding sides of the job. Since joining L&Q a year ago, I’ve found this site to be a welcoming environment with a genuine sense of team spirit.
I’m passionate about challenging the industry’s image problem by showing other young people - especially women - that construction is a place for them too.”
The programme left a lasting impression on participants, all of whom are family members of L&Q colleagues.
One student, Eleonore Rivoal, has her sights set on a career in design engineering.
“I’ve had a lot of fun during this work experience, from getting my first glimpse into the world of design engineering, to learning new skills such as snagging and cost management. I also discovered jobs I didn’t know existed and found new areas of interest. Thank you for an amazing few days in construction!" said Eleonore.
Tommy Fairclough added:
“Work experience at L&Q was a great way to see what life will be like after school. It’s also given me a sense of maturity and discipline. I’ve had a great time working in Greenwich, and hopefully my future will lead me to construction.”
His mum, Francesca, added: ‘Tommy absolutely loved it. His week at Greenwich has opened his eyes to working life and given him a real push for his final year at school.
Alongside these placements, L&Q has recently recruited 20 apprentices in trade roles such as carpentry, heating installation and plumbing as part of our Early Talent programme.
Each apprentice will receive expert-on-the-job training, structured development programmes, a competitive salary, and an industry-recognised qualification.
This latest phase of Greenwich Peninsula will deliver 476 new homes, 70% of which will be affordable. It forms part of a major regeneration project aiming to deliver more than 17,000 new homes across 150 acres of former brownfield land. Led by Knight Dragon, this masterplan is one of London’s most significant urban developments.
L&Q has a long-standing commitment to supporting local communities in Greenwich, where it manages nearly 6,000 homes.
Further east in the borough, L&Q is also delivering almost 300 new homes and a new school for the London Southeast Colleges’ Greenwich campus at Plumstead College.