Young people explored careers in water, housing, construction and logistics while developing the skills and confidence needed for their futures.
Students from Daubeney Academy stepped beyond the classroom and into the world of work through Bedford Giving’s Taste of the Workplace programme, delivered by 4YP UK.
Working with Anglian Water, bpha, Skanska and Welch Group, the students visited real workplaces, met industry professionals and tackled challenges connected to each organisation. The experiences gave them an opportunity to explore different careers while strengthening essential skills including teamwork, communication, creativity, problem-solving and presenting.
At Anglian Water, students explored how communities can use water more sustainably. A visit to Grafham Water introduced them to reservoir management, water treatment and the roles that technology, innovation and environmental thinking play in protecting resources, wildlife and communities.
Students working with bpha became housing developers for the project. They designed a new community while considering housing, safety, sustainability, green spaces and the needs of future residents. A construction site tour, show-home visit and head office experience demonstrated how housing organisations create not only buildings, but connected communities and a wide range of career pathways.
With Skanska, students were challenged to design a sustainable visitor park for central London, balancing environmental impact, community benefit and budget. They also visited the live A428 construction site, where they received a health and safety briefing, learned about major infrastructure projects and put their engineering thinking to the test through a practical bridge challenge.
At Welch Group, students tackled a real logistics question: how the business could transition its Bedford fleet from diesel to electric vehicles. During their depot visit, they explored transport planning, fleet management and operations before developing practical ideas for a cleaner and smarter transport future.
Director Paul (PK) Kellett said:
Taste of the Workplace is about giving young people meaningful opportunities to see where their skills, ideas and interests could take them. By stepping into real workplaces, meeting professionals and tackling genuine business challenges, the students were able to build their confidence and recognise the many different pathways available to them.
We are incredibly grateful to Anglian Water, bpha, Skanska and Welch Group for investing their time, expertise and encouragement in Bedford’s young people. When employers and schools work together in this way, everyone benefits: young people gain valuable experiences, businesses hear fresh perspectives and, together, we help Bedford’s communities grow.
Throughout the programme, students discovered career opportunities in engineering, environmental science, digital technology, housing development, project management, civil engineering, construction, transport planning, logistics, customer service and apprenticeships.
Most importantly, they experienced professional environments and expectations first-hand, received insight and feedback from employers, and developed greater confidence in their own abilities and aspirations.
The programme reflects Bedford Giving’s commitment to bringing businesses, schools and communities together to create opportunities for Bedford’s young people and support a stronger future for the town.
Give opportunities. Get fresh perspectives. Grow Bedford’s future.