In a landscape where sixth formers face pressures to excel academically and plan for the future, work experience can be valuable and help guide young people into deciding next steps. Sharlotte Coetzee, a first year sixth form student, recently stepped into the construction industry with a week long work experience placement at Redrow’s London division. Her experience highlights how valuable work experience can be, offering insights that go beyond the classroom and helping students clarify their career aspirations.

Sharlotte’s interest in construction was inspired by her father, a site manager at Redrow’s flagship London project, and her aunt, who is also in the construction industry. With support from her family and school, Sharlotte was eager to see for herself if construction might be a future fit. Her hands-on experience in Redrow’s technical team, where she contributed to project planning and measurement, allowed her to apply skills from her design and technology studies in a real-world environment.

Reflecting on her experience, Sharlotte shared: “Redrow was so supportive. It was exciting to work with different departments and learn something new every day. Everyone was so welcoming and eager to share their knowledge.”

For Sharlotte, work experience at Redrow provided more than just a look into construction; it helped her build essential skills for the working world. Like many sixth formers, she faced the question of what path to take after finishing school. Her experience at Redrow gave her the confidence to consider an apprenticeship more seriously, seeing firsthand how valuable hands-on learning could be.

“I feel reassured that construction is a promising career path for young women. There’s a stereotype that construction is male-dominated, but Redrow showed me its full of opportunities for everyone,” she said. Sharlotte is now considering an apprenticeship with Redrow as a potential starting point in her career.

Sharlotte’s experience highlights the benefits of work experience for sixth formers who are uncertain about their future. By stepping into the workplace, students like her gain insights beyond the classroom, learning essential skills. Her week at Redrow not only reinforced her interest in construction but helped her better understand the various pathways open to her.

James Holmear, Group Sales Director at Redrow, said “It’s wonderful to see young women like Sharlotte breaking into the industry. At Redrow, we’re committed to providing opportunities for the next generation, and seeing her enthusiasm in her work experience was truly inspiring.”

Through programmes like these, Redrow continues to shape and build communities over the UK but also encourage young people to enter this industry.