Building the Future
Thursday 17th July 2025
Project Management and Quantity Surveying can be seen as a less obvious career choice; it is not often you hear a child proclaim they want to be a PM over a footballer or vet. However, two of our team members have been on a mission to change this and inspire budding surveyors. Afterall, the future of construction depends on the next generation.
Kit Lu represented TPI at Thamesmead School’s careers fair, handing out leaflets and sweets, holding engaging conversations with their students about the construction industry and peaking their interests.
Similarly, Danny Waters has been covering a lot of ground as a RICS Inspire Ambassador and Young Enterprise Representative. This is what he has to say about his outreach work:
My Journey Supporting the Next Generation Through Schools, Young Enterprise & the RICS
Project management and cost consultancy might be what I do day to day but helping shape the future of our industry is something I’m equally passionate about.
Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in various outreach initiatives through Total Project Integration, working with schools, students, and organisations like Young Enterprise UK and the RICS to raise awareness on a career in construction industry.
Raising Awareness of Surveying with RICS
One of the highlights has been becoming a RICS Inspire Ambassador, opening the door to promote surveying as a career especially to students unfamiliar with the profession.
Earlier this year, Mackyla Palmer-Logue and I welcomed Year 10 students from Stratford School to RICS HQ. The Westminster Room was full of energy as we tackled one of the biggest challenges: awareness. Questions like “What is surveying?” and “How do you become one?” were common, but curiosity quickly sparked through group tasks and open discussions.
We wrapped up with a tour of the RICS building its iconic terrace proving a popular highlight.
I also spoke to MSc Geospatial Science students at UCL, breaking down the pathways into surveying, the RICS’s core disciplines, and the wide-ranging careers available in the built environment.
Supporting Young Entrepreneurs with Young Enterprise
Through Young Enterprise UK, I became a Business Advisor to students at St George’s College.
Tasked with building a business, they launched a line of laser-cut Christmas decorations with an initial £180, however due to the seasonality of the product, eventually pivoted to a more sustainable product: contour memory foam bamboo pillows.
They embraced the entrepreneurial spirit, crafting flyers, calling care homes and hotels, and even pitching to a private jet company. I invited them to present at TPI head office in a Dragon’s Den-style event, where they sold a third of their stock in one afternoon.
Watching their confidence grow was incredibly rewarding. They were rightly recognised with the “Journey of the Year” Award at the 2025 Surrey Showcase.
Back to School: Careers, Construction and Confidence
Another standout moment was working with Young Enterprise UK at St Saviour’s & Olave’s School, an all-girls school in South London.
We spent the day exploring success, values, and aspirations, while covering practical topics like budgeting, revenue, breakeven, and profit. A quiz helped students identify their personality types and how these could align with different careers.
When I spoke about women in construction, the students were shocked to learn that just 15% of the industry workforce are women, and only 1% work on-site. Having written my dissertation on this topic, it was empowering to discuss the challenge and the opportunity for change.
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
I also joined the RICS Podcast, speaking alongside Norman Hutchison, Fiona Stoddard and Toby Stewart about the value of work experience how to find it, make the most of it, and balance it with studies. We discussed tips for approaching employers, navigating pay, and linking students with businesses. Huge thanks to Kieran Dhunna Halliwell for hosting what was a brilliant conversation.
Listen now:
Final Thoughts
I’ve come to realise that sharing your story and showing up can make a real difference. Whether it’s introducing students to surveying, helping young entrepreneurs, or answering questions about careers in construction these small actions can spark big change.
I’m grateful to Young Enterprise UK, RICS, and Total Project Integration for making this possible. The future of our industry begins with the next generation, and I’m proud to play a part in shaping it.
