We were delighted to welcome students from Ruth Gorse Academy to Aire Park for a morning of learning, discovery and career inspiration, delivered in partnership with Eversheds Sutherland and Overbury.
The visit provided a fantastic opportunity for students to gain a real-world insight into the property, construction and professional services industries, meeting the people behind one of Leeds’ most transformative developments and learning about the many career pathways available within the sector.
The morning began with an introduction to Aire Park, where students learned about the rich history of the site, the transformation currently underway, and the long-term vision for a vibrant destination where people can live, work and enjoy their leisure time.
Students then took part in an engaging careers panel featuring representatives from Vastint, Eversheds Sutherland and Overbury. The discussion highlighted the wide range of opportunities available across the industry, with speakers sharing their own career journeys and experiences.
Particularly valuable was the opportunity for students to hear first-hand about alternative routes into employment, including apprenticeships and vocational pathways. These conversations demonstrated that there is no single route to a successful career and showcased the diverse opportunities available to young people entering the workplace.
The group also explored the Aire Park development models, including the LEGO model of the neighbourhood, helping to bring the scale and ambition of the project to life.
One of the highlights of the visit was a guided tour of the new Eversheds Sutherland office fit-out, currently being delivered by Overbury. Equipped with hard hats and PPE, students were given exclusive access to the live construction environment, where they gained an understanding of the many specialist roles involved in bringing a workplace project to fruition.
The tour provided fascinating insight into the construction process and offered students the chance to ask questions directly to professionals working on site. They also heard from team members who had entered the industry through apprenticeship routes, offering inspiring examples of how practical experience and training can lead to rewarding careers.
Following the tour, students and industry professionals came together for a light brunch and informal networking session, allowing further conversations and reflection on the morning’s experiences.
At Aire Park, we are passionate about supporting the next generation and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to engage with the world of work. By connecting students with industry professionals and live projects, we hope to inspire future careers and broaden understanding of the opportunities available across the built environment sector.
This visit marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership, with the students set to return to Aire Park in January to see how the Eversheds Sutherland fit-out has progressed. Their next visit will provide a unique opportunity to witness the transformation of the space and see first-hand how a major workplace project develops over time.
We would like to thank everyone from Ruth Gorse Academy, Eversheds Sutherland and Overbury who helped make the event such a success.