CEO Inspires Future Construction Talent at Careers Insight Day

It was a pleasure to welcome a group of Year 11 students from New Hall School to OCL headquarters for a construction careers insight day, designed to provide valuable careers education and showcase the diverse opportunities available within the construction and built environment sectors.

Having just completed their GCSEs, the students were given a unique opportunity to explore careers in construction and gain first-hand insight into the many roles that contribute to delivering successful projects. Throughout the day, they met team members from across the business, including accounts, design, commercial and project delivery, who shared their career journeys, experiences and advice for those considering their future pathways.

As one of the UK’s leading façade and drylining contractors, OCL is passionate about helping young people understand the diverse opportunities available within the industry. Through workplace visits, school engagement and social value initiatives, the business is committed to inspiring the next generation of construction professionals and challenging outdated perceptions of the sector.

Exploring Careers in Construction

The main highlight of the day was getting to know OCL’s CEO Tony Harris, who openly shared his personal journey into construction, the highs, the lows whilst building OCL into the successful family-run business it is today.

Speaking openly and honestly, Tony discussed the challenges he faced during his school years, the sacrifices he made throughout his career including missing key milestones of his children when they were young, and the importance of hard work, resilience and trusting your instincts when pursuing your ambitions.

His story resonated strongly with the students, many of whom were inspired by his entrepreneurial journey and appreciated hearing a real-life account of what it takes to build and grow a successful business from nothing.

The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on how valuable it was to hear directly from industry professionals, take part in real-life tasks and learn about career paths they had never previously considered.

Bringing Construction Careers to Life

OCL’s Design Team offered the most interesting session, according to the feedback. Through interactive discussions, practical demonstrations and real project examples, students were able to see how ideas develop from initial drawings and concepts into completed buildings.

Design and Planning Manager, Joe Osborn brought the design process to life, helping students understand the important role design plays within construction projects and demonstrating how subjects studied in the classroom can translate into rewarding careers within the built environment.

The hands-on approach encouraged students to ask questions, engage with the team and gain a deeper understanding of the skills and expertise required across the industry.

One student commented:

“Construction is far more varied than I thought. More students really need to hear what we did today.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Construction Professionals

Events like these play an important role in helping young people make informed decisions about their future careers. By sharing their knowledge, experiences and personal journeys, OCL employees helped create an engaging and memorable experience that challenged perceptions and opened students’ eyes to the many opportunities available within construction.

The visit forms part of OCL’s wider commitment to social value, education engagement and developing future talent. The business continues to work with schools, colleges and community partners to promote careers in construction and inspire more young people to consider a future within the industry.

Whether pursuing careers in design, commercial management, project delivery, finance or site operations, students left the day with a greater understanding of the breadth of opportunities available and the skills needed to succeed.

Schools interested in arranging a construction careers workshop as above should email: office@ocl.london

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