The pilot
Connecting talent & potential with opportunity
The initiative to provide structured, long-term work experience placements for students in Lewisham and beyond, starting with Christ The King (CTK) Sixth Forms, delivered through Blue Garage - an innovation hub based in the centre of Lewisham - begins with a pilot consisting of 3 stages.
Goal: Inspire curiosity and broaden perspectives
• Guided tour of Blue Garage and resident companies
• Overview of industries, equipment, and creative processes
• Short “whistle-stop” sessions from resident businesses + Q&A
• Small groups (approx. 5 students) for focused engagement
Outcome: Students gain a first real glimpse into the world of Blue Garage and the entrepreneurial, creative and technical/manufacturing businesses that operate out of the unique space
A day in the life (½-1 day)
Placements & projects (1-2 weeks or 315-hour T-Level)
Goal: Turn inspiration into action
• Structured placements linked to T & A Level courses
• Two Tracks offered by a network of providers/participants: Professional & White-Collar (via both Blue Garage resident businesses and potentially Landsec, CBRE, Muse & Council): project management, planning, finance, admin, sales, ESG reporting
• Development of key soft skills - teamwork, communication, confidence, entrepreneurial mindset
Outcome: Secure high-value, mandatory placement hours, deepen relationships with businesses, begin to establish themselves in professional networks
Open horizons (½ day)
Goal: Deepen understanding through experience
• Individual students spend a day with a chosen company
• Meet the team, learn how the business operates
• Shadow employees, take on light tasks, contribute to real work
• Emphasis on open dialogue and curiosity over formal Q&A
Outcome: Students connect education and creative ideas with real-world practice
Measurement & growth
We have established a robust set of key performance indicators for the pilot phase. This is absolutely crucial, as the primary objective is to generate quantifiable evidence that demonstrates both the return on investment and the effectiveness of the initiative as a fundamental concept. ​
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This data will form the bedrock for the full-scale launch of a multi-faceted, integrated compliance infrastructure and social value delivery vehicle.​
