Taylor Wimpey puts London pupils in the hotseat!

Project manager for the leading housebuilder’s Academy Central development of new homes in Barking gives teenagers a taste of the world of work.

Pupils from a Dagenham secondary school had to have their wits about them when they were quizzed by a Taylor Wimpey boss in a series of mock job interviews.

Alun Thomas, Senior Project Manager for the leading housebuilder’s Academy Central development of houses and flats in Barking, grilled the 14- and 15-year-olds from the Sydney Russell School as part of a scheme to give them valuable experience of the world of employment.

Alun was one of a number of representatives from top local businesses who took part in the school project, as Taylor Wimpey East London continues to strengthen its links with the community while fulfilling the need for new property in Barking.

Alun says: “It was a useful experience for the pupils, offering them an opportunity to step out of the classroom and get a feel for what it will be like when they leave school and begin searching for jobs.

“At Taylor Wimpey East London we are always looking for new ways to develop our relationship with the local community, and we were delighted to help the Sydney Russell School with this fantastic project.”

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 by Taylor Wimpey in association with joint venture partners L&Q and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council.

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.

The mock interviews project strengthens the housebuilder’s track record of working closely with local schools. Last month[JULY], Taylor Wimpey East London welcomed a group of sixth-formers from All Saints Catholic School & Technology College for an ‘Insight into Management’ work experience placement, and the developer has also conducted school tours of its Academy Central site.

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.