Students at Ark Acton Academy will be among 1,800 young people taking part in a new programme aimed at helping pupils across Ealing, Brent and Hammersmith & Fulham learn about careers in the construction industry.
The two-year initiative, which starts in September 2026, will run in nine schools across the three boroughs. Students will meet employers working on the Old Oak regeneration project, take part in workshops and site visits, and find out about careers ranging from engineering and architecture to skilled trades.
The programme is being delivered by Construction Youth Trust in partnership with the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), as work continues on the regeneration of Old Oak, where up to 11,000 jobs and around 8,000 new homes are planned.
Matthew Carpen, chief executive of OPDC, said local young people should be “first in line” for opportunities created by the regeneration project.
He said: “Old Oak will create thousands of opportunities, and we want local young people to be first in line. Together with Construction Youth Trust, we want to support young people who are struggling to access employment and training opportunities with this new programme which responds to the significant challenges young people face in getting into work.”
Carol Lynch, chief executive of Construction Youth Trust, added: “Through this partnership, we will connect young people with inspiring industry professionals, behind the scenes site visits, meaningful work experience opportunities and, ultimately, pathways into apprenticeships, further education and employment.”
