Students Build Bright Futures with Bristol Property Inclusion Charter

We have kicked off the new academic year partnering with Bristol Property Inclusion Charter, University of the West of England (UWE), and the Bristol Property Agents Association (BPAA), where students from Orchard School took part in an inspiring day of creativity, teamwork, and career exploration. The day involved a group of 38 students from Year 10 at Orchard, who got the opportunity to meet with experts, learn from mentors and get some hands-on experience creating a property proposal.

The students were challenged to transform an empty space within the galleries into a sustainably built, community-led environment that reflected the needs of the local area. With a £1 million budget and guidance from mentors across the property sector, students took part in speed networking, team strategy sessions, and creative pitching—gaining real-world insights into careers in property, planning, and development.

The day began with a warm welcome and an introduction to Bristol WORKS, setting the tone for a purposeful and engaging experience. Students were then split into teams and introduced to the sector by industry experts, who helped frame the challenge and spark creative thinking.

A standout moment was the speed networking session, where students met professionals from across the property sector. This fast-paced activity gave students the chance to ask questions about career pathways, roles, and responsibilities—building confidence and gaining valuable insights. One student reflected, “Talking to the experts about what their job is and how they got there; I feel more equipped to approach my career in the future.”

After networking, students received a briefing on the sustainability challenge and moved into breakout rooms with their mentors. One learner shared, “I enjoyed learning more about sustainability within the project.” These sessions buzzed with activity as students discussed priorities, assigned roles, and booked meetings with experts to refine their ideas. Planning continued through a working lunch, with teams collaborating closely to shape their proposals.

In the afternoon, students prepared and delivered group presentations to expert panels. Their ideas ranged from co-working hubs to wellness spaces, each demonstrating thoughtful consideration of sustainability, inclusion, and local impact. The panels praised the students for their innovation, teamwork, and presentation skills, awarding each learner a certificate to celebrate their time and effort.

 

Students found the experience valuable in many ways, commenting on how it helped them understand post-16 pathways and develop key skills. “It helped build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills. I was able to understand more about property development,” said one participant. Many also noted how presenting boosted their confidence: “Talking about my presentation in front of an audience really helped.”

The event served as a blueprint for inclusion, showcasing the Charter’s commitment to opening doors for young people from all backgrounds. With support from UWE, which provided a dynamic setting, and the BPAA, which offered expert advice and encouragement, students were able to build confidence, develop transferable skills, and lay the groundwork for future success.

The students’ final presentations impressed the expert panels with their innovation, sustainability, and community focus. From co-working hubs to wellness spaces, their proposals reflected a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in redevelopment. One mentor shared, “Watching them grow in confidence and work as a team was the most rewarding part of the experience.”. Orchard also commented that “learning about the range of roles in the property sector” helped students understand their futures better and found “engaging with employers” as well as building “confidence in presenting” were powerful aspects of the visit, offering valuable insight to their students.

This event highlighted the power of partnership in shaping futures and inspiring the next generation of property professionals. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who made this event a towering success—from the students who brought bold ideas to the table, to the mentors who guided and supported them, and our partners at Bristol Property Inclusion Charter, UWE, and the BPAA, who continue to champion inclusive pathways into the property sector. You’ve truly helped us raise the roof on what’s possible!

Student reflections captured the spirit of the day:

• “Working hard on a short deadline to create a business idea I was proud of—it was very helpful, and I learnt a lot about what working is like and developing useful skills.”
• “Public speaking helped with my confidence to speak in front of an audience.”