Six young people from the London Borough of Havering that have been through the care system have recently completed a new three-week ‘Introduction to Highways’ programme, designed to give them practical experience of the industry and support their next steps towards employment.
Building on Marlborough’s long-standing partnership with Havering Council and our shared commitment to delivering positive outcomes for local communities, Marlborough worked closely with the borough, Havering Works and The Skills Centre to deliver a free, three-week ‘Introduction to Highways’ training course in Summer 2026.
Supported by the Mayor of London and the European Social Fund, this first-of-its- kind Marlborough programme combined classroom-based learning with practical, hands-on training. Kyian, Ellie, Leighton, Taha, Liam and Ibraheem developed their knowledge of the highways and construction sector while gaining practical skills and recognised industry experience.
Following their successful completion of the course, all six participants were invited to Marlborough’s annual Apprenticeship Assessment Day, giving them the opportunity to meet colleagues from across the business and interview for a place on our Operational Apprenticeship Programme.
Covering highways maintenance, street lighting and traffic management, our Operational Apprenticeship Programme gives apprentices the opportunity to earn a living wage while gaining recognised qualifications and practical experience, supported by structured training and mentoring.
Creating accessible routes into employment is an important part of the social value we deliver through our partnership with Havering Council. By working closely with the Council and local partners, programmes like this can respond to local priorities while giving young people practical training, industry experience and a clearer route into a career in highways.
Reflecting on his time on the three-week course, Kyian, said:
“People like me who’ve been in care should be confident in what they have, what they can do. Everyone is different but we can take the opportunities courses like this give us – we can rise up from where we’ve come from and do well from it. Marlborough’s shown me that I can do so much and I’m learning all the time. I’m so
happy I got this opportunity, without it, I don’t know what I’d be doing, but now I’m looking forward to building up my future.”
Emma Birkett, Senior Project Support Officer of Children’s Services, added:
“As part of the successful partnership between Havering Council and Marlborough Highways, both organisations are committed to delivering meaningful social value outcomes for residents. Through this initiative, Marlborough Highways is supporting care leavers by providing apprenticeship and training opportunities that equip them with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to secure sustainable
employment.
“Recognising the unique challenges that care leavers may face when entering the workforce, this programme aims to provide targeted support and remove barriers to employment. By creating accessible routes into a competitive sector, the initiative will help care leavers build confidence, achieve greater independence and establish rewarding long-term careers.”
(Picture: Marlborough Highways)
