Learning in Lockdown – The Awards

Last year, when the UK went into its first Lockdown, we brought together 43 organisations to deliver a week of accredited construction work experience to 2,000 Year 10 students across the UK, who would otherwise have missed out.

Created in partnership with Class of Your Own, The Engineering Development Trust and Learn Live, the virtual work experience programme, Learning in Lockdown, centres around a design task to create a community building in Dubai teaching residents about the importance of sustainability. Working together in small groups, they researched and developed proposals that were practical, sustainable and fit for purpose.

We were delighted that 580 young people completed this to the highest standard, achieving their Industrial Cadets silver award, an industry-recognised accreditation.

The SCAPE Awards

Working closely with the students during the week, our partners were consistently amazed by the creativity, ingenuity and level of detail they saw. Together, we wanted to recognise and celebrate this with prizes that were interesting and unique, and that would support the winners with their career development.

They each received a signed letter of recommendation from the CEO (or equivalent) of the sponsoring organisation, to supplement any future job applications. In addition, our partners went above and beyond to create bespoke experiences too.

Best Design – Sponsored by Roberston

Winner: Evan Thomson, Inveralmond Community High School.

“Evan’s design, concept and development showed clear, well thought-out consideration of the building’s layout, aesthetics, functionality and composition. It also brought an extra level of cultural and community consideration, with the integration of traditional Arabic design into the interior.”

Gemma Gourlay, community impact director, Robertson.

Evan joined the Robertson digital team online for a virtual session exploring pre-construction design and programming for a residential scheme in Edinburgh, which is currently onsite. Evan learned how the latest BIM technology design principles were being applied and used to help with programming as well as gaining key insights into the skills and learning journey of Robertson’s Digital Construction Manager, Scott Macdonald. Find out more about Evan's experience here.

Best Achievement - Sponsored by Willmott Dixon

Winner: Poppy Bailey, Hadley Learning Community Secondary School.

With the way in which society is changing due to the pandemic, Willmott Dixon is now identifying the best way to deliver employability initiatives such as CV writing workshops for young people - in a safe, virtual setting. Supported by midlands community manager at Willmott Dixon, Zoe Anastasi, student Poppy was invited to share her ideas for engaging other students and help to shape the programme further, whilst also receiving a CV building and confidence building sessions herself.

Poppy was offered the opportunity to be part of the Willmott Dixon Future Leaders Virtual Management Experience Week but unfortunately due to her mocks she was not able to take part.