With the tabloids full of stories about out-of-control, knife-wielding, surly teenagers, the prospect of visiting an inner city school to explain the virtues of a career in FM would not figure on most people’s to-do list. Getting young people interested in FM is not the simplest of tasks. Despite the range of roles and vast potential for growth in the industry, it doesn’t have attention-grabbing glamour.
Harjit Sidhu, organisational development manager at Monteray, FM provider to BT, says: “There is a misunderstanding about what FM is about; you have to get past the perception that it’s only about cleaners.” A venture to engage inner city schools started when the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust approached BT to work on a scheme where property experts ventured into schools in Deptford, south-east London to inspire young people to look at roles in the built environment. The idea arose from Stephen Lawrence’s dream to become an architect — his wish being to influence the design of inner cities “from within”. The Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust was founded after his murder in 1993, to inspire other young people to continue his wish. The trust looked at schemes that would empower young people to consider a career in this area, including FM.
During initial discussions the project’s concept changed from one of more traditional school visits to the short-term mentoring programme it is today. This was due largely to the nature of the school assembly. Derek Bardowell, education and learning manager at the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, says: “A professional would address some 100 young people in such an environment, of which maybe ten would be interested, making holding the attention of the audience extremely difficult.”
By using a more selective method the experience could be tailored to be a far more rewarding — and intense — experience for those who show an interest. One of the key issues facing young people from deprived urban areas is their employability. A lack of suitable role models and estrangement from the world of work, often due to a workless family, can leave many unaware of how best to interact with the corporate world. Changing this is a many faceted effort, one in which the FM industry can play an important role.
By using a brief, intense period of interaction, it’s possible to show potential career paths to people who would never otherwise have considered them, both by humanising the corporate sector and providing tools for young people to interact with.
“It is very important for young people to meet face-toface with people who are currently working in the FM and property sectors,” says Gillian Burdis, CSR manager at BT says. “This enables both parties to share experiences and perceptions and gives young people an opportunity to see the potential of a career in the property industry, working with people not so far removed from themselves. It also helps take away the fear factor and mystery they may have about the corporate environment.”
A new kind of toughness
BT Property, Telereal and Monteray all provided volunteers for the project. The individuals were chosen for their inspirational backgrounds as well as their ability to relate to young people. One of the volunteers, Jacqui Moulton- Lawrence, is a facilities manager for BT’s Keybridge House in Lambeth, south London. She been working with young people in Lewisham for some time and has been a governor at her son’s school. She has witnessed first-hand the issues young people can face without guidance and support and was keen to get involved in such a positive programme. Moulton-Lawrence says: “The project is both rewarding and refreshing, I feel that my background in FM enables me to demystify work for young people and share employers’ expectations of dress, language and behaviour which are often not made clear.”
Part of the scheme’s idea is to provide a realistic toughness, making it as close to the real world of work as possible. In order to allow this, a week before the course, the attendees are given a day at the centre, where they are told in no uncertain terms what is expected from them, that is, to treat it as a real job interview, no jeans, trainers, or chewing gum.
This allowed the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to gain a level of authority over the youngsters. On the day of the session not a single attendee turned up inappropriately dressed or chewing gum and every mobile phone was switched off. Indeed the only problem with clothing was the one young person had bought new shoes for the event and they were causing him to walk with a slightly pained hobble.
This is the first time most of the young people involved have been through such an intense experience, which begins with the application process that is itself competitive. In effect, it mimics as closely as possible the actual requirements for applying for and winning a position.
Changing the dynamics
A large portion of the day is dedicated to preparing for and delivering both interviews and presentations to a group of volunteers, providing additional pressure and realism. Jacqueline Peart, managing director of Training with Purpose in east London — who provided the course structure, says: “Working with employers changes the dynamic. It is not their teacher but instead a person who may well be interviewing them in a year’s time.” Although the project is currently limited in scope, there is huge potential for similar projects across the UK. By working alongside local charities and schools, and applying knowledge to target intervention, a great deal may be achieved, Peart adds.
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“All of us in the industry have a responsibility to look to the future and to ensure we are investing in tomorrow’s FM and property professionals,” says Elaine Hewitt, group property director at BT. “We, as a company, strongly support training and education outreach initiatives. Playing our part alongside the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust is something we are only too pleased to do.”
The challenges of youth have never been easy to navigate. From the pressures of education to the bright lights that sparkle during adolescence, it can be all too easy for potential talent to get lost. The FM industry has a vast range of career paths, which means it has the potential for those who have not had the best start in life to work their way up through a company.
By providing role models and guidance at an early stage, it is possible not only to expand the recruitment base for the company but also to provide a greater understand of the FM industry as a whole.
Greg Baker is a freelance journalist
