CIC-ConstructionSkills

Coaching Scheme

The Coaching Scheme is a volunteer programme that aims to increase the recruitment of school leavers into the Built Environment sector, by giving children the chance to find out about careers directly from respected local Built Environment professionals.

The initiative was developed by the Construction Industry Council’s ConstructionSkills team with the support of East London Business Alliance (ELBA). It was piloted in the autumn of 2006 at Eastlea Community School (London Borough of Newham).

How the Coaching Scheme Works

The Coaching Scheme takes place after school hours on a monthly basis between October and May. The sessions are open to year-9 students and generally take place within the school premises. Each volunteer coach is assigned to 2 or 3 students and with the use of various activities and discussions, the outcome of these sessions enables the student to:

• Find out what the working world is like.
• Have the chance to talk to an expert in the field.
• Find out what training is required to become a construction professional.
• Learn about professional projects in the local area.
• Find out how school subjects can be used in the working world.

As part of the session calendar, the students are taken out as a group on two external visits which provides them with further knowledge on the Built Environment. Last year external visits included a trip to Canary Wharf and the Building Centre based in Central London.

Future developments

The Coaching Scheme was further developed in 2007 with the inclusion of Royal Docks secondary school which is also based in the London Borough of Newham. In 2008/9 it is envisaged that the Coaching Scheme will be expanded into more schools within the London area in addition to schools in other regions throughout the UK.

For further information on Coaching Scheme or to find out how you can become a coach contact Danna Walker on 020 7399 7404 or email dwalker@cic.org.uk