Canary Wharf Group Opens Doors at Wood Wharf to Inspire Next Generation of Construction Professionals

Published: November 27, 2024

Build UK’s Open Doors 2025 preview event hosted at Canary Wharf, Wood Wharf
Students meet industry professionals to learn about diverse careers in construction
Comes as 50,000 new workers a year needed amid Government’s 1.5m homes aim

Canary Wharf Group (CWG), in partnership with Build UK, has opened one of the UK’s largest and most sustainably advanced construction sites to young people from London, inspiring the next generation to choose a career in construction.

Hosted at CWG’s 23-acre Wood Wharf site, the exclusive preview event for Open Doors 2025 welcomed young people from the Construction Youth Trust for a behind the scenes tour of one of the world’s most successful regeneration projects.

Construction needs to recruit 50,000 new entrants per year to keep up with demand at a time when the government is aiming to build 1.5 million new homes – as well as invest in infrastructure.

CSCS is a proud partner of Open Doors, which will return from Monday 17 – Saturday 22 March 2025, showcases the fantastic range of careers available in the industry by opening up construction sites, offices, and manufacturing and training facilities.

Students visiting Wood Wharf gained valuable industry insights and personal career stories from the CWG Development, Sustainability and Construction teams, all aimed at uncovering the breadth and depth of roles in the construction industry for all ages and backgrounds.

Rebecca Agbara is a Graduate Assistant Project Manager handling architectural fit out packages at Wood Wharf for Canary Wharf Group, and took time out from her busy schedule to share her own journey with the students.

The 25-year-old said: “I feel a great sense of pride being part of the five per cent of women in the UK working in construction, and individuals such as myself attending events like this are crucial in attracting others who previously thought construction wasn’t for them.

“I fell in love with the construction industry when my dad, who ran a construction firm, used to take me to his sites on the weekend where I built an interest in reading architectural drawings and plans for the buildings.

“That early childhood memory influenced my career decision – and I am hoping this Open Doors tour will have a similar effect on the students visiting Wood Wharf.”

Tamsin Parkes, Project Manager of Open Doors, added: “Seeing such enthusiasm from the students to find out more about all the different roles in action at Wood Wharf really underlines why Open Doors events are crucial to the longevity of the construction industry – they’re about planting the seed for exciting and rewarding careers in the sector.

“There is something for everyone in construction and we would encourage schools and colleges, as well as anyone looking for a change of career, to book an Open Doors visit from 13 January to find out just what our industry has to offer.”

Speaking on its partnership with Open Doors, Alec Vallintine, Managing Director, Construction at CWG, commented: “CWG is committed to creating positive change through shared social purpose, focused on Education, Employment and Skills. Open Doors allows us to tap into local talent currently in education who are considering their next steps, giving them exclusive access to our sites and our people, and showcasing a world of opportunity within our sector.”

Currently in Phase Three of development, Wood Wharf is a dynamic site with six buildings presently under construction, alongside extensive works to improve the public realm. Designed by Allies and Morrison and Glenn Howells Architects the area is already a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. Home to over 3,500 people, Wood Wharf boasts a thriving community of restaurants, cafes, bars and gyms alongside a hotel, GP surgery, nursery, vets and two-form primary school, all interspersed by lush, green open spaces and waterside boardwalks.

Build UK member CWG will be offering tours of both Wood Wharf and their new health and life sciences development North Quay during Open Doors Week.

For more information about Open Doors, visit opendoors.construction.