Our Emerging Talent Programme offers work placements so people from ethnic minority backgrounds can launch careers in the industry. Here’s what they said about the opportunity.
Congratulations to the candidates from our Emerging Talent Programme who graduated at a buzzing networking event with mentors, host organisations and Future of London supporters.
The Emerging Talent Programme (ETP) offers paid work placements in the built environment sector to people from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Employer benefits of the Emerging Talent Programme
Hosting a work placement will enhance your EDI strategy and help you recruit new talent permanently. Join our employer webinar to find out how
This is the second cohort to graduate from the programme, which launched in 2022 to improve diversity in the sector. From the first two cohorts, over three-quarters (79%) of programme starters have now secured jobs in the sector. Two-thirds (64%) of programme starters were offered jobs by a host employer.
“We all know that people from ethnic minority backgrounds and other marginalised groups are very poorly under-represented in the sector so Future of London launched the Emerging Talent Programme to do something tangible about that,” said Chief Executive Nicola Mathers.
“We’re missing out on critical talent by not having an inclusive industry. At a time of housing crisis and climate emergency we need creativity, diversity of thought and people to challenge established ways of doing things.”
DP9 hosted the graduation event at their West End office and has provided valuable placement and training opportunities to the programme.
“The candidates an extremely talented bunch who bring a wide range of educational backgrounds and experiences to the table,” said Rebecca Neil of DP9 at the event. “Employers learn as much from the experience as the candidates do.”
Candidates gain hands-on experience from different placements
At the graduation event, we heard from two of the candidates about the positive impact the Emerging Talent Programme had on them.
“Participating in the ETP programme has thoroughly equipped me for a career in the built environment through hands-on experience, strategic networking, and a deeper grasp of industry practices,” said Fiona Rodrigues.
Fiona thanked her placement hosts, Greater London Authority and Yoo Capital, for their support and the opportunity to develop her professional skills.
“These experiences have equipped me with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for my future career.”
Mariga Thoithi joined Southwark Council and the Greater London Authority for his placements. He said:
“The programme’s hands-on experience has provided me with practical insights into development management, project management, and planning policy. These experiences have equipped me with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for my future career.”
Members of the third Emerging Talent Programme cohort are now well into their first placement. We are currently recruiting host organisations for round four, with candidate recruitment opening later in the year.
If you are looking to diversify your team please contact Programme Manager, Elaine Cleland-Awity (elaine@futureoflondon.org.uk).
Thanks to our host organisations for providing placements
Altair, London Borough of Camden, Greater London Authority, Haringey Council, L&Q, OPDC, Sanctuary Housing Association, London Borough of Southwark, Southern Housing, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Westminster City Council, and Yoo Capital.
We would also like thank the organisations that hosted training days
Avison Young, Clarion Housing, Deloitte, Greater London Authority, London Communications Agency, Montagu Evans and Westminster City Council.
Finally thanks to our mentors for supporting the ETP2 candidates
Amandeep Kalra, Bhavna Booker, Cheryl Bannerman, Christine Wood, Ciara Whelehan, Grace Nelson, Hassan Ahmed, Ilana Manuel, Karen Daye, Naima Ihsan, Nathan Vasey, Nyemu Nhembe, and So Sum Lee.
We wish all our recruits the best as their careers develop
Caisha Mohamud, Celdirito De Campos, Fiona Rodrigues, Jacques Dhillon, Madeleine Agyeman-Badu, Mariga Thoithi, Martine Ekango, Nithushan Rajaratnam, Patricia Fung, Preet Bhambra, Riyad Kabir, Sandra Moukam and Syeda Mafique.