Cambridge, 6th March 2025: FutureIN, the groundbreaking initiative tackling youth homelessness through paid apprenticeships in the construction sector, has secured the support of two of Cambridge University’s colleges - King’s College and St John’s College - for the first time.
Marking a major milestone for FutureIN, both colleges have formally committed to embedding FutureIN into their future construction projects, ensuring that apprentices and interns from the award-winning programme will gain vital skills and on-site experience.
Recognising the increasing challenges of hidden homelessness among young people in Cambridge, King’s College and St John’s College have pledged to appoint FutureIN apprentices or interns - from vulnerable backgrounds, and who may be at risk of homelessness - on their major construction projects, by mandating the placement of FutureIN interns or apprentices with the main contractors and subcontractors working for them.
Alison Cox, Domestic Bursar, St John’s College, Cambridge, said: “We are pleased to be working with FutureIN. As a construction client, we recognise our ability to drive positive change, improving the lives of young people and developing a talented workforce through apprenticeships.”
Polly Ingham, Domus Bursar, King’s College, Cambridge, commented: “We recognise the value of learning in many forms and are delighted to partner with FutureIN on this initiative. Apprenticeships and internships like these have the potential to make a meaningful impact on young people and their futures.”
Bob Ensch, Programme Lead, FutureIN said: “The commitment from King’s and St John’s Colleges is a game-changer. Their support not only helps young people gain life-changing employment opportunities but also sends a strong message to the property and construction industry that addressing youth homelessness is a shared responsibility. We hope this will inspire other colleges, developers, and investors to get involved.”
Nicholas Bewes, CEO, Howard Group, added: “This announcement represents a significant milestone for FutureIN. It demonstrates the role that construction clients, landowners and employers can play in delivering real social impact, while also helping to solve the industry’s ongoing skills shortage. Our vision is that every major construction project in Greater Cambridge commits to employing FutureIN apprentices - King’s and St John’s are setting a fantastic example.”
Construction, property, and development companies who would like to get involved with FutureIN, should visit www.futurein.org.uk for more details, or contact Sue Appleby via telephone on (01603) 737 739 or via email at sue@tracweb.co.uk
