The Build Studios collaboration with Oasis Academy Southbank continues this autumn as we work together to deliver a careers enrichment programme focused on the built environment.

The programme, developed by Build Studios, aims to give Year 7 and Year 8 students (Key Stage 3) an introduction to careers available in the built environment sector.  As part of the programme Build Studios members spend time in the classroom chatting to students and discussing career paths and roles with the profession.

The students, working in teams, are asked to respond to a fictional design brief to design a room to host after-school clubs or a daytime community facility for a pensioners’ group.

We hope to introduce students to the diversity of careers within the built environment sector, and to think about what makes a good design and how to design a space for a specific user.  The students are asked to consider various factors as they plan the development and fit-out – prompting discussions about the types of skills and roles required in taking a site from concept to delivery.

Visits from professionals working in the built environment sector help to support them with the development of their designs.  The students produce an A3 workbook of their designs, including a mood board.  Each group presents their design at the end of the course, and a winning team is chosen.

Build Studios runs a social values programme which seeks to inspire, educate and engage young people, especially in Lambeth, with the built environment sector.  If you are interesting in sharing your skills and experience with young people please get in touch at [email protected]