Recently, we hosted a careers visit with year 10 students from Waterhead Academy at the Oldham Office.
On Thursday 12 June, in collaboration with Wates and Positive Steps, we welcomed Year 10 students (aged 14-15) as part of our ongoing commitment to raising aspirations and opening young minds to the many opportunities available in the world of work.
This event showcased our dedication to community engagement and building positive relationships between businesses and schools. A range of colleagues from Great Places, Wates, and Positive Steps actively participated, contributing to the success of the day and highlighting our shared commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we work in.
Throughout the morning, students took part in a variety of challenges and activities that provided insight not only into the housing industry but also into the essential skills needed in the workplace.
The day began with a housing-related quiz led by Ryan Smith, Head of Neighbourhoods, designed to help students understand the role of a social housing landlord and the challenges Great Places faces in an ever-changing operating environment.
Next, students participated in a hands-on activity led by Ste Molyneux, Emerging Talent and Development Specialist, where they were tasked with building a house using limited supplies and a set budget. This exercise highlighted the challenges faced by the housing sector and gave students the opportunity to demonstrate key skills such as teamwork and communication.
The day concluded with a fun and creative challenge led by Anthony Grundy, Project Manager at Wates, where students used only spaghetti and marshmallows to build the tallest and sturdiest tower possible.
Leanne Keane, Community Partnership Manager at Great Places Housing Group, said:
It was a pleasure to welcome the students from Waterhead Academy to our office to explore careers in housing. They were highly engaged, eager to participate in the activities on offer, and asked us plenty of questions. Our partnerships with local schools like this one demonstrate our vision of creating Great Communities and Great People. We’re thrilled to work with the students and the school to raise aspirations and open their minds to the vast opportunities available to them in the future.
Shaquea Bennett-Cole, Youth Engagement Worker at Positive Steps, added:
The visit was an eye-opening experience for the students, demonstrating how the housing support provided by Great Places can help transform the lives of people in the community. The students gained valuable insights—not only into housing, but also into the skills needed in the working world, which were highlighted through the tower and house-building activities. Thank you to the entire team for your support in organising and hosting such an inspiring visit.
