Taylor Wimpey Barking gives students chance to shine

Promising sixth-formers from a school in Barking were given a valuable opportunity to show off their management credentials during a challenging work experience placement with Taylor Wimpey, the local housebuilder which is currently creating the Academy Central development of East London flats and houses.

A group of A-level students from All Saints Catholic School & Technology College spent a week at Taylor Wimpey East London’s headquarters in Brentwood, Essex, as part of the Insight into Management schools programme.

The innovative scheme, run by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council in association with local businesses, gives youngsters the chance to benefit from an advanced work experience placement – testing their problem-solving and team-working skills to prepare them for management roles in the future.

During their time with Taylor Wimpey, All Saints pupils Luke Harvey, Henry Hibell, Jake Hrachovec and Ryan Maynard were challenged to come up with a full marketing campaign for an imaginary new development from the housebuilder, inspired by the new collection of Barking flats and houses at Academy Central.

Supervised by Carly Dunnage, Marketing Assistant for Taylor Wimpey East London, they then had to write a report on their experience and unveil their completed project at an end-of-course presentation event.

Carly says: “The aim of the Insight into Management project is to take young people beyond everyday work experience to give them a realistic perspective on what it takes to succeed in senior management roles.

“The task we set for Luke, Henry, Jake and Ryan was deliberately made as difficult and demanding as possible, but they rose to the challenge fantastically well and did themselves – and their school – proud.

“We’re delighted to be involved in this valuable programme, which not only helps youngsters aim higher, but also demonstrates how businesses can work successfully in association with schools, local authorities and other agencies.”

Taylor Wimpey East London’s involvement in the Insight into Management scheme develops its ongoing partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council and local schools, as part of the housebuilder’s Academy Central development of new homes in Barking.

Located at the former University of East London Barking campus, between Lodge Avenue, Longbridge Road and Mayesbrook Park, Academy Central is a community of more than 900 houses and apartments being delivered in association with joint venture partners L&Q and the local authority.

Hand in hand with the development, Taylor Wimpey and L&Q are investing millions in community facilities in Barking, including the creation of a new primary school and play facilities, adult education and training.

New homes at Academy Central are priced from just £129,995 and further information is available by visiting the Sales Centre on Longbridge Road, Barking, and open Thursday to Monday, between 10am and 5.30pm.