Preparing future generations for the world of work

Spending time with the development team at our offices in York’s Guildhall, Tilly has been behind the scenes at one of the UK’s most exciting regeneration projects to gain valuable work experience.

We caught up with her to hear about the highlights.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am 18 years old and from York, over the past two years I’ve been balancing my studies with gaining as much real-life work experience as possible.

I have just finished my final year at York College studying. As part of my course, I needed to complete 315 hours of industry placement, which is how I became involved with the York Central project through McLaren Property.

I’ve really enjoyed learning outside of the classroom and getting a better understanding of what working in a professional environment is actually like.

What appealed to you about the opportunity to work with York Central?

As someone who lives in York, I thought it sounded like an exciting opportunity because it is such a major project that will have a real impact on the city I grew up in. It offered an opportunity to gain valuable experience that I can use in the future.

What did you do on the York Central project?

I have been working as a placement student within the McLaren Property development team, mainly supporting with admin tasks. I regularly sit in on meetings, take notes, help organise information and spend a lot of time working on Excel.

What are your day-to-day roles and responsibilities?

My day-to-day responsibilities mainly involved completing tasks that have been assigned to me by the team. This includes helping with administration, updating documents, supporting meetings, organising information and working on spreadsheets.

One thing I’ve really appreciated is how much the team have trusted me with meaningful tasks rather than just observing. Everyone has also been really approachable and happy to answer any questions, which has made it much easier to learn.

What did you enjoy the most about work experience with the York Central team?

I’ve really enjoyed getting an insight into what a professional workplace is actually like. It’s been interesting learning about the property development industry and hearing about other people’s experiences and career journeys.

I’ve also really valued having the opportunity to ask questions to people with so much experience. It’s not something I’d normally have access to and hearing how different people got into their roles has given me a much better understanding of the range of careers available and the different paths people take.

What has been a particular highlight about working at York Central?

One project I’ve particularly enjoyed being involved in is Back Park, one of McLaren’s social impact projects in York, which focuses on redeveloping a local park for the community.

As part of the project, I was asked to create a presentation giving an insight into what younger people are looking for in social spaces. While researching, I came across the charity Make Space for Girls, which really shaped the direction of my presentation. It highlighted how many parks are designed mainly with boys or much younger children in mind, often leaving girls aged around 8 to 14 without spaces that feel welcoming or designed for them.

As someone who grew up in York and was that age not too long ago, I was able to share my own experiences and ideas about what I wish had been available. It was really rewarding to feel that my opinions were genuinely listened to and valued, especially knowing that they could help influence a project that will benefit young people in the future.

How has working at York Central benefited you for the future?

Working at York Central has helped me build my confidence and develop new skills. I feel so much more comfortable speaking in meetings, asking questions and managing my own workload.

It’s helped me understand what working in a professional environment is like, which is something you can’t fully learn in a classroom. I think the placement has made the transition into the working world feel much less daunting and has given me experience that will really help me as I move on to university and future jobs.

What is the most interesting thing about the York Central project?

I find the whole project really interesting, especially because I live in York and will be able to see the changes happen over time.

The biggest thing for me is the opportunities it could bring for young people. At the moment, there are quite limited career opportunities in York and a lot of people choose to leave after university. I think York Central has the potential to create more jobs, attract new businesses, giving people more reasons to stay in the city.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about your time at York Central?

My time at York Central has been a really positive and influential experience. Having this opportunity at 18 has given me a huge confidence boost and helped me develop skills that I know I’ll use throughout my career.

It’s prepared me for my next steps, not only by giving me practical experience but also by showing me what it’s like to work as part of a professional team. Something I wouldn’t be able to learn in a classroom.

Being involved in such a significant project in my local area is something I’m really proud of. It’s rewarding to know I’ve played a small part in something that will have a lasting impact on York and the people who live here.

Now Tilly has finished her course and her placement, she’s taking some time to travel around Southeast Asia and Australia, before heading to Manchester Metropolitan University to study Business Psychology. It’s been a pleasure having her on the team, we wish her all the very best in the future and hope she returns to York Central very soon.