Students from Stoke-on-Trent College take part in Regeneration Brainery – a national programme that aims to give young people from diverse backgrounds an insight into a career in the property sector. The programme has been developed by social impact developers Capital&Centric, the team behind the £60m Goods Yard neighbourhood currently under construction.
The week-long programme gave young people real-world advice and experiences, with a mix of site visits, group and individual challenges, and talks from mentors who play a role in shaping towns and cities.
“We’ve been touring the UK, getting youngsters fired up about a future in regeneration, and it’s been such a privilege working with young people in Stoke-on-Trent. They’re enthusiastic and really want to make a difference. From architecture and civil engineering to design and marketing, it takes so many skills to bring forward game-changing developments and shape the places where we live.
“Regeneration Brainery is all about lighting that fire in today’s students to really think about the paths they can take and how they could shape the future. A massive thanks to all the organisations and individual mentors who’ve shown up this week to inspire and educate young people about the opportunities out there.”
Judi Greenwood, Regeneration Brainery
Cllr Abi Brown, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, was a key speaker at Regeneration Brainery, where she outlined the work to deliver transformation across Stoke-on-Trent and create a brighter future for young generations.
“It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm of the students, being so positive about their future and the many great opportunities right here in Stoke-on-Trent.
“This is not a stand-alone event, but a starting block for the ‘brainees’ to be inspired by the exciting level of investment taking place across the city and to connect with the businesses and developers we are working with to deliver distinctive and attractive places.
“Regeneration Brainery covers a wide range of job types and skills. There are very real opportunities working with our partners and businesses to provide apprenticeships and placements as part of council-led transformational schemes – bringing jobs and training as well as attractive places to work, live and enjoy in the near future.”
Cllr Abi Brown, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Regeneration Brainery has been delivered in collaboration with Stoke-on-Trent College and working closely with Stoke-on-Trent Careers Hub to provide young people with ongoing support and skills to make the most of these opportunities.
“Stoke-on-Trent College is in partnership with Capital & Centric and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to ensure our students can enjoy the very best regeneration, property and construction work experiences.
“The Brainery is an innovative programme that will inspire young people through a first-hand look at development projects across the city. 20 students from our college will learn from some of the best regeneration and property professionals to enhance their employability skills and career prospects. We are looking forward to seeing how the college will also support training at the Goods Yard development.”
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal, Stoke-on-Trent College
The programme is part of a push to ensure that Capital&Centric’s Goods Yard development – a Stoke-on-Trent City Council project backed by the Government’s Levelling Up funding – leaves a positive and lasting legacy in the region. Construction is underway to transform the former industrial site into a new neighbourhood for Stoke-on-Trent. This year will see restoration of the vaulted warehouse on the site begin, with foundations also set to be laid for the new apartment block. It’s estimated the construction phase of the project will generate 12 apprenticeships, 12 work placements and eight new entrant jobs, as well as the employment of local construction labour.
