Empowering the Next Generation through Industry Insight – A Collaborative Work Experience with Bidwells and Inspire 2 Ignite
A group of young people from diverse backgrounds recently completed a transformative three-day work experience programme, thanks to a collaborative effort between Inspire 2 Ignite and Bidwells. Voluntarily giving up part of their summer holidays, these young individuals chose to immerse themselves in this unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive insight into the property and real estate industry, fostering both professional skills and personal growth.
Inspire 2 Ignite brought together a mix of young people, including those who are care-experienced, from disadvantaged backgrounds, and others with a keen interest in exploring the industry. This experience was not just about career exploration but also about building confidence, communication skills, and a vision for their futures. Bidwells, committed to supporting young people from all walks of life, organised site visits and activities that showcased the breadth of opportunities in the industry. Throughout the programme, participants not only gained professional insights but also formed new friendships within the group.
Sebastien Moore, one of the participants, reflected on the experience:
"Absolutely buzzing coming away from this week’s Bidwells work experience. What I’ve learned: Bidwells is a bigger company than first thought! Marketing skills. Generating multiple revenue streams on rural estates.It was also a pleasure to show my digital marketing skills through a Tiktok property tour which is now posted on the official Bidwells account."
Day 1: Exploring Rural Surveying at Waresley Park Estate
The experience kicked off at Bidwells’ headquarters, where participants were welcomed by Gemma Pluck, Talent Acquisition Manager, and Hannah Roman, People and Culture Director. This set the tone for an engaging and informative week. The first day included a visit to Waresley Park Estate, where the young people learned about rural surveying and diversification. They toured the estate, which features a vineyard, cafe, open water swimming facilities, paddleboarding, wedding venue and much more!
Participants were not only inspired by the estate’s operations but also began to see themselves in potential roles within the industry. Their creativity shone as they brainstormed new ways to enhance the estate, such as introducing Segways or carts for transport and guided tours.
In the afternoon, the group took part in a Bidwells graduate challenge, where teams competed to build the tallest free-standing tower. The winning structure, humorously named the “Pickle Khalifa,” was a testament to the team’s collaborative spirit.
Day 2: Unleashing Creativity and Curiosity
The second day took the participants to Stonebond’s new housing development at Waterbeach, where they delved into the world of marketing. The young people impressed everyone with their imaginative ideas for marketing new homes, producing videos that showcased their emerging skills in the sector.
A quick session on public speaking, led by Alex Richards, helped the participants build confidence in presenting their ideas. They also engaged in DisruptHR style talks with Bidwells staff, gaining insights into various roles within the company. This exposure broadened their horizons, revealing career paths they had not previously considered.
Day 3: Project Management and Personal Insights at Wolfson College
The final day began with a visit to Wolfson College in Cambridge, where the group toured a newly redeveloped kitchen project. This visit provided those interested in project management with a real-world look at the planning, design, and architectural processes involved in such a project.
The experience concluded back at Bidwells’ office with a candid discussion with Nick Pettit, Senior Partner at Bidwells. Nick shared his personal journey, offering advice on managing a busy career while maintaining mental well-being. His openness resonated with the young people, who engaged in a lively Q&A session, eager to learn from his experiences.
The week ended on a high note, with the participants presenting their reflections and learnings to the Bidwells team. Despite initial nerves, the young people delivered impressive presentations, with one participant overcoming a stammer to speak confidently.
Alex Richards, Community Manager at Inspire 2 Ignite, noted the impact of the experience, saying:
"The Bidwells experience was eye-opening to the young people. Not just what was available to them in just one organisation but also that the route taken for some of the staff to get there is not your typical do well in exams, go to uni and get a job. I enjoyed seeing the different roles all interconnect in an organisation that prides itself on inclusivity."
Gemma Pluck, Talent Acquisition Manager at Bidwells, said:
"It’s amazing to see the young people from different walks of life make new friends and throw themselves into making the most of the experience. After asking lots of questions to Nick Pettit, you could see their perspectives of what a CEO is, positively shift."
A Testament to Positive Environments and Empowering Experiences
Sam Squire, CEO of Inspire 2 Ignite, praised the experience, noting,
"This is the most energetic and enthusiastic I have seen some of these young people, which is a credit to the culture Bidwells have created. It highlights the importance of a positive environment for engaging young people. The shift it creates in their attitude, perspective, and behaviour is great to see."
One participant shared their excitement about the supportive environment, stating:
"I got such a nice welcoming by Bidwells. I’ve now met a new community which I now see as a new family. I already had an Inspire 2 Ignite family, but I now have a Bidwells family. Others treat me like work colleagues, whereas you treat me like a human being. I really appreciate this and giving me the belief to want to be my true self."
Siân Cox, Talent Acquisition Coordinator at Bidwells, added:
"The presentations at the end blew me away by how much information they consumed and how confidently they presented. Every single one of them is a completely different person to when they first walked in earlier in the week."
The skills developed during the experience, including communication, presentation, active listening, and creativity, will undoubtedly serve these young people well as they continue to explore their futures.
This partnership between Inspire 2 Ignite and Bidwells is a shining example of how businesses and community organisations can come together to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
