Youth Trailblazers Discover Construction at Cambridge Regional College

The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme was launched by the Government in April 2025. It aims to help young people not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) to overcome the barriers they face to enter the workforce. With funding via the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), Cambridge Regional College and Inspire 2 Ignite are collaborating to provide young people in the region with opportunities to prepare them for employment.

The Youth Trailblazers on the Discover Construction course at Huntingdon CRC.

Fisseha Zeresenay

19, lives in Cambridge.

How did you find out about the Trailblazer scheme and this opportunity to learn more about getting into construction?

So, I found about the Trailblazers scheme via someone I know who works for Cambridgeshire City Council. She sent me the link because she’s aware that I’m interested in construction.

Could you tell me about your time at school or college – how did you find it?

My previous experience – I used to go to CRC, I did ESOL for two years and I did Level 1 and 2 Art and Design, but I dropped out in October 20205, due to a personal issue. But my experience was good and obviously English is my second language so from ESOL to the course, I had a good time, met good people, met friends, all my tutors were good, I had a good experience and I enjoyed it.

What were you doing before you started the Trailblazers scheme?

Before I came to England, I was in different countries. From Eritrea to Ethiopia, to Sudan. I’m from Eritrea originally. I came here in 2023.

What do you hope to do after you finish the scheme?

So, when I finish this course I’m really interested in working in construction and I’m looking for a job in construction, that’s what I’m planning.

What have you enjoyed or learnt so far?

I have enjoyed the course, and I’ve learnt lots of things. We went to a construction site, we saw lots of buildings, how they’re built, the bricklaying from the beginning.

In Peterborough, they built a house in a warehouse, and they have everything there. I really liked that.

As a child, what did you dream of doing for your job when you grew up?

When I was a child, even as a kid, I used to build houses in the mud, I like building things with my hands. So, I think I’m going to enjoy it, when I start working in construction.

Frankie Darby

16, lives in Cambridge.

I was looking into getting a job or apprenticeship, and I found out that doing this would get me my CSCS card to do that (the Construction Skills Certification Scheme card proves that a construction worker has the required training and health and safety knowledge for their role on UK construction sites). I found the course online. School was alright, not the best, but now when I look back on it, I miss it a little bit. I liked PE the best.

I started this little course a month ago. I finished school in September. I’m hoping to get a job in bricklaying. I’ve been on a couple of site visits, that was fun. They show you how it works, what you’ll be doing when you are on site. We also did a bit of classroom work, I don’t know the name for it, like with the paper and practical side of it, how you’d start up and run your own business in construction. I enjoyed that a lot.

The Discover Construction course at Cambridge Regional College has been designed to give individuals an insight into the construction world. The course covers topics that give learners the confidence to demonstrate key skills needed to gain a CSCS card and be site-ready on completion. The qualification focusses on the study of the basic principles of health and safety, including hazards and risks within the workplace.

Inspire 2 Ignite was founded on the belief that every young person holds the potential to shape a successful and fulfilling future for themselves. The company works with corporate and community partners to curate transformative events, experiences, and programmes to create opportunities for young people not in education, employment or training.