PLACED established the Academy in 2019 as a free-to-access programme of creative learning that would develop young people’s skills, increase self-belief, and create empowered, confident young citizens who believe their view matters. Academy programmes also aim to support greater diversity in the built environment sector, essential if we are to develop more representative, understanding professionals.
We have since expanded the programme to include Partnership Academies. These tailored programmes prioritise young people from communities in targeted areas, typically with a high number of those under-represented in the sector. We are also developing the PLACED Academy Alumni – an ongoing programme of support for Academy graduates including work experience, mentoring, and events.
Participants have become confident, informed young people able to think creatively, solve problems and develop ideas. The programmes have helped to open doors and increase awareness of the range of careers available. Importantly, they have shared their views on projects and plans, gaining confidence from having their voices heard by decision-makers and influencing the future of places.
Throughout, they have been supported by our talented, diverse Partners, sponsors, and volunteer Ambassadors – professionals and students – who have given them a truly unique insight into the wide range of careers in the built environment.
The impact outlined below is from all PLACED Academies so far. It does not include Academy Partnership programmes.
You can read examples of our evaluation reports providing more detail below.
“The Academy influenced me a lot and informed me about lots of different avenues that I didn’t know about. It definitely opened my eyes to the sustainability side of construction and the importance of this. I am still planning to go to LMJU to do a degree in architectural technology.”
Daniel, PLACED Academy Graduate