STUDENT SPOTLIGHT.

Meet Lewis-James.

Lewis-James really struggled wondering what to do when he finished his GCSEs. He started out studying at a specialised engineering academy, but found that focus was too narrow and he left without any real understanding of how broad the engineering industry is.

He dropped out of studying traditional A-levels and worked a series of temp jobs, trying to find a career that was right for him.

While studying for a Diploma in Construction and Built Environment, Lewis-James signed up to the Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration Brainery in early 2023. He joined thinking it’d be a construction placement week but instead learnt all about a whole raft of careers in property and regeneration.

Regeneration Brainery nabbed work experience for Lewis-James with Capital&Centric where he got to work on a mix of projects across the country, join in design team meetings, work on defect surveys and getting under the skin of being a Development Manager.

In 2023, Lewis-James took part in UKREiiF with Regeneration Brainery and used the networking skills that he developed to bag even more work experience with project managers AtkinsRealis (formerly, Faithful & Gould).

He quickly impressed the team with his passion for the built environment and strong work ethic and landed a Project Manager Apprenticeship in Birmingham starting this September.

He caught up with his soon to be co-workers at UKREiiF, just as AtkinsRealis were announced as an official Partner to Regeneration Brainery. A brilliant full-circle moment.

“Regeneration Brainery is honestly life-changing if you capitalise on the opportunities they offer.

They offer opportunities in areas that need it the most and help to show you that it doesn’t matter what your background is or where you’re from, there’s a place for everyone in the industry.

My advice would be to grasp every opportunity associated with Regeneration Brainery with both hands and the results will speak for themselves.”

— Lewis-James

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