The Westminster Property Association (WPA) has partnered with charity Young Westminster Foundation to inspire young people from diverse backgrounds to join the property sector.
The partnership will see the WPA commit £255,000 to help fund the Mastering My Future employability scheme over the next three years. In addition to funding training, skills, mentoring and work experience, the funds will be used to help deliver a bespoke programme to create a pathway into the property sector for smaller groups of participants.
The funding has been provided by WPA members BEAM, Gerald Eve, GPE, The Howard de Walden Estate, Landsec, The Pollen Estate, Shaftesbury Capital and Soho Estates, and has ben topped up by core WPA funds.
Marcus Geddes, chair of Westminster Property Association and managing director, workplace at Landsec, said: “Our members have an important role in helping to support economic and social prosperity across the city, which despite its economic might contains some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country.
“Attracting local people from all backgrounds into the property sector brings new ideas and perspectives and helps create inclusive places. We are proud to partner with the Young Westminster Foundation on this programme and look forward to supporting the first cohort of young people on their journey to a fulfilling career.”
Helen Mann, chief executive of the Young Westminster Foundation, added: “We are immensely grateful to the association for its support for this important programme and its commitment to creating opportunities for young people in the property sector.
“We know that being able to meet professionals face-to-face, visit their workplace and gain some real work experience can be transformational for young people and give them the confidence they need to take their first step on the career ladder. There are so many exciting opportunities for young people in property and it offers the chance to help shape the city in which we live for the benefit of future generations.”
Councillor Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: “The property industry is a major investor and employer across Westminster, and it is vital that young people growing up in the City have a chance to benefit from that.
“The Young Westminster Foundation – thanks to the support of the Westminster Property Association – is providing a bridge to training and careers for young people in the property world. The council is determined that young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds can share in the success of central London’s economy. I’m confident the partnership being announced today will be an effective route to make that happen.”
