Barnsley and Bradford Schools Inspiring future talent: Amey's hybrid work experience programme

Three students in a classroom. Two are holding tablets.
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In 2025, Amey’s Public Estates team set a goal to deliver its first hybrid work experience programme, partnering directly with the schools we support through our facilities management contracts.

At a glance

  • We delivered over 32 hours of work experience to students in schools in Bradford and Barnsley.
  • Each virtual session was supported by subject matter experts at Amey.
  • Students undertook interactive workshops on sustainability, interviews and CV writing to support employability skills.
  • Students also worked on soft skills in development sessions covering teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
  • We also delivered Q&A panels with apprentices and graduates to help in demystifying career pathways.

Key metrics

  • 24

    students engaged

  • 47

    sessions delivered

  • 2

    early careers follow-ups

The initiative introduces young people to the diverse career opportunities available within Amey. Combining virtual learning with hands-on, site-based talks and a sustainability project to spark curiosity and build confidence.

We introduced students to career paths they might never have considered.

Understanding barriers to opportunities

Many young people have limited opportunities to explore sectors such as engineering, transport, and facilities management. Traditional work experience placements can be difficult to organise and rarely offer the flexibility needed to suit different learning styles or school schedules. By partnering with schools, our hybrid format allows students to join in person for two days, and from classrooms or home for the remainder of the programme, adapting to diverse learning styles.

Recognising the need for a more accessible and inspiring approach, we designed a four-day experience that not only engages students but also shines a spotlight on the wide variety of roles within our business. From design and sustainability to IT and beyond, we introduced students to career paths they might never have considered in the facilities management industry, opening their eyes to exciting possibilities and encouraging them to imagine a future in these fields.

Four students in a classroom engaged in a group activity.
By partnering with schools, our hybrid format allows students to join in person for two days, and from classrooms or home for the remainder of the programme, adapting to diverse learning styles.

We invited our experts to share their personal career journeys.

Delivering an inclusive, student-led learning experience

During the programme, students were immersed in a blend of in-person and virtual talks led by subject matter experts, and interactive sessions covering everything from sustainability to employability skills. They connected with our apprentices and graduates, gaining insights into the variety of career pathways.

To spark curiosity and encourage open dialogue, we invited our experts to begin each session by sharing their personal career journeys, from their first steps to their current roles. This approach created a welcoming environment where questions flowed naturally, and engagement soared.

The initiative is part of Amey’s broader commitment to inspiring future talent.

Bringing sustainable ideas to life

The project, which asked students to ‘build a sustainable school for the future’ encouraged students to tap into essential skills like collaboration, problem solving, and teamwork, and blend some of their findings from our subject matter experts. Each group presented their final designs to a panel of Amey colleagues and some of the teaching team from their school. All of the students understood the brief, and it was amazing to see each groups ideas come to life at the final stage.
We had two students reach out to Amey after the programme to ask about early career opportunities, and when they would be able to apply, which is a huge win.

On the final day, we provided lunch sourced from a local farm shop, supporting a local business. We took the opportunity to discuss with the students the importance of making choices that benefit both the environment and the local economy.

We plan to expand the hybrid work experience programme to reach more young people. The initiative is part of Amey’s broader commitment to inspiring future talent and supporting early career development across the UK.

Testimonials

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