Construction and Engineering Opportunities (CEO)

Construction and Engineering Opportunities (CEO) is a community interest company (CIC) based in South London (Croydon). Our mission is to provide disadvantaged youth with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the construction and engineering industries, ultimately empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures for themselves. Our primary beneficiaries are disadvantaged youth who face various challenges such as family issues, poverty, special educational needs, behavioural problems, youth offending, exclusion from school, etc. These young individuals often lack access to traditional educational pathways and struggle to find stable employment opportunities. By targeting this demographic, CEO aims to provide a lifeline for those who are most in need of support and guidance. CEO offers alternative provision programs that focus on teaching plumbing and electrical skills to our beneficiaries. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and practical experience, we equip our participants with the technical expertise and industry knowledge needed to pursue careers in construction and engineering. Additionally, we provide holistic support services, including employability skills training, career counselling, and access to employment opportunities within the sector. Our work at CEO is driven by the belief that every young person deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances. By providing our beneficiaries with valuable skills training and support, we not only enhance their employability and career prospects but also foster their personal growth and resilience. Furthermore, CEO recognizes the urgent need to address the significant skill gap in the UK construction industry. With an aging workforce and insufficient numbers of new recruits entering the industry, there is a growing concern about the future of housing and infrastructure development in the UK. Through our programs, we are contributing to closing this gap by training individuals for these much-needed roles, ensuring a sustainable future for the construction sector and our communities. The impact of our programs extends beyond individual participants, contributing to the overall socioeconomic development of our community by reducing unemployment rates, tackling poverty, and promoting social inclusion. Through our efforts, we aim to break down barriers to success and empower disadvantaged youth to realize their full potential, ultimately creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all.