STUDENTS LEARN HOW TO BUILD A CAREER IN DEVELOPMENT

Pupils at Hamstead Hall Academy in Handsworth Wood learnt about career opportunities in the built environment in a day-long workshop event hosted by IM Properties (IMP).

Designed to create greater industry awareness for year 10 students, the workshop was delivered as part of IMP’s social value commitment to working with nearby schools to its £350m Peddimore scheme in Minworth

The workshop consisted off five-hour-long interactive sessions outlining options and education routes for careers ranging from architecture to planning, delivered by IMP with assistance from its strategic land arm IM Land and four supply chain companies including BEA Landscape Design, Colliers, Middlemarch and UMC Architects.

David Smith Planning Director from IM Properties who headed the team said:

“I think both the students and the team got a lot out of the event. We talked to them about roles which they may not have previously considered and we answered lots of questions, delving into the detail of what our jobs entail and the rewards to be gained from it.

“We all came away thinking we would absolutely do it again, while also feeling utmost respect and admiration for the teaching profession. We will now build on this event, taking away the feedback we received to ensure we can engage as many pupils as possible.”

IM Properties is linking with 10 schools during the lifetime of the Peddimore Project to build greater industry awareness, reaching some 3000 students.

Sukhbir Farar, Executive Principal at Hamstead Hall Academy added: “A great day was enjoyed by all. The sessions delivered by IM Properties on modern-day architecture were engaging, inspiring and very informative.

“The students came away with first-hand experience of all the factors that need to be taken into account in major developments and the skills, attributes and qualifications required to pursue a career in this industry.”

Peddimore is a significant new employment park being created by IM Properties in Minworth, Royal Sutton Coldfield, to attract national and international logistics and manufacturing companies. It generates up to 6,500 jobs, with 3,000 from associated supply chains.

IM Properties has also partnered with four community organisations as part of its Social Value programme. These include St Basils, The Jericho Foundation, The Pioneer Group and Witton Lodge Community Association and delivered two rounds of grants from its Peddimore Community Fund.

The £270,000 Peddimore Community fund is available over the six-year lifespan of the scheme and looks to support community projects, social welfare, health and well-being initiatives or formal training and education programmes.

David Smith concluded: “Already we have put a significant part of our social value programme into action before planning has been granted. We believe in supporting local communities and ensuring we deliver a lasting legacy for all to benefit from.”