Inspiring the Next Generation with Inspire2Succeed

This summer, SMD partnered with Inspire2Ignite CIC to shape the Inspire2Succeed programme, designed to empower young people aged 16. Our collaboration piloted the programme with two local schools – Hinchingbrooke School and St Peter’s School of Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

Inspire2Succeed ran for five days, with each cohort enjoying a dedicated site visit to our Dunton CofE Junior School project. Over the course of the programme, our team – Tia Camp, Candace Cade, and Site Manager Charlie Stocker – welcomed two groups of 12 students for an introduction to careers in construction. The goal was simple: to give young people a genuine opportunity to explore the industry, ask questions, and experience what work looks and feels like in practice.

Classroom-Based Learning: Preparing for the Site

The experience began in the classroom, where students researched the construction industry, learned about the client and project, and prepared interview questions. They also got to grips with camera equipment, ready to capture their own content once they stepped onto site. These early sessions encouraged teamwork, communication, and curiosity – all essential skills for the future workplace.

One of the standout moments came when the students of St Peter’s worked together to form their own youth media agency, choosing the name Foundations. The choice couldn’t have been more fitting – just as solid foundations are vital in construction, the programme aimed to build strong personal and professional skills to help them thrive in the future.

Hands-On Experience at Dunton

On day three, the sunshine set the scene as students arrived at our Dunton site for their first taste of life on a live construction project. After a safety briefing with Charlie, they were introduced to the world of construction by Tia, who walked them through displays of drawings, materials, and artefacts uncovered on site. With cameras in hand, the students then headed out on a guided tour of the works, capturing footage and photographs as they explored.

The visit wasn’t just about seeing the physical build – it was about connecting with the people behind it. The day ended with student-led interviews, where young people quizzed Tia, Candy, and Charlie on their career journeys, industry knowledge, and day-to-day roles. These conversations brought the project to life, giving students a window into what a future in construction might look like.

Skills Gained and Impact

Across just five days, the programme gave participants the chance to:

• Research and interview professionals on a live construction site
• Capture behind-the-scenes stories and footage
• Build confidence, creativity, and teamwork
• Present their work to a panel of industry experts

The Inspire2Succeed course was designed to rethink what work experience can be. Too often, traditional placements don’t reflect the skills, creativity, and potential that young people bring to the table. Working closely with Inspire2Ignite, the programme gave students ownership of their experience and encouraging them to research, collaborate, and create  something meaningful while gaining a genuine insight into the working world.

For many, this meant stepping outside their comfort zones. Whether it was preparing interview questions, speaking directly with industry professionals, or presenting their work back to an audience, the programme helped students build confidence in ways that classroom learning alone cannot. Most importantly, it gave them a chance to see themselves in future career pathways – not just in construction, but in any sector where teamwork, communication, and creativity are key.

Feedback from participants revealed impressive gains in confidence. Before the sessions, students rated their confidence about entering the workforce at an average of 5.9 out of 10. After the programme, this average increased to 7.8 – a significant uplift of nearly two points. One young person who barely spoke on day one stood up at the end of the week to confidently present their team’s work to a room of professionals and peers – a transformation that sums up the spirit of Inspire2Succeed.

What Inspire2Ignite Said

“Partnering with SMD on Inspire2Succeed was a brilliant example of how meaningful work experience can be redefined. The students who joined us – many without traditional work placements – were trusted with real opportunities to explore the construction industry, ask questions, and create their own story. In just five days, we saw confidence grow, creativity flourish, and a genuine interest in construction careers emerge. The support and openness shown by Charlie, Candace, and Tia made the experience transformational for the young people involved. This is the kind of employer partnership that changes lives.”

Building on Success

Through a combination of classroom-based activities, immersive site tours, and hands-on team challenges, Inspire2Succeed successfully bridges the gap between education and real-world experience. The programme also complements our experience delivering education projects across schools such as Oundle School, Manor High, and Fulbrook School, where creating inspiring learning environments has always been a priority.

SMD remains committed to supporting the next generation and fostering sustainable, community-focused development in everything we do. You can read more about our commitment to supporting local communities.

Looking ahead, SMD will continue working with Inspire2Ignite to roll out new opportunities. Plans are already in place to deliver a Curious About Construction course alongside further Inspire2Succeed programmes at local schools including Ernulf Academy and Paine’s Mill. These initiatives will build on the success of this pilot, ensuring more young people gain the skills, confidence, and inspiration to take their next steps towards future-ready careers.

From Our Team

Charlie Stocker, Site Manager at SMD, reflected:

“It was brilliant to see how quickly the students grew in confidence throughout the programme. By the end, they were asking insightful questions and presenting their ideas with real pride. If we’ve been able to show even a few of them that there’s a place for them in construction, then that’s a huge success in my eyes.”

At SMD, we believe these experiences aren’t just about work experience – they’re about shaping futures, building resilience, and laying the strongest possible foundations for the next generation.