Eighteen-year-old Kallam Gill is part of a growing cohort of young people entering construction earlier and with a clearer sense of direction than many before them.
As a T Level student specialising in Design, Surveying and Planning (DSP) at Aston University Engineering Academy and Sixth Form, Kallam Gill is completing his industry placement with BAM UK & Ireland.
Through his industry placement, Kallam is gaining first-hand experience of the realities of project delivery long before most learners reach the workplace. His journey offers a glimpse into how T Levels, and early exposure, are reshaping the future workforce.
Why choose a T Level? “Experience you can’t get at A Levels”
For Kallam, the decision was straightforward - “Taking a T Level is an excellent way to get experience in the industry you want to go into. The industry placement gives you insight that A Levels don’t offer,” he explains.
Kallam was drawn to construction from a young age, particularly to the digital and design elements.
His DSP route allowed him to combine classroom learning with early industry exposure.
CAD, he shares, was a particular hook: “I love the use of CAD and that whole idea of creating something before it exists.”
On site: seeing how projects run day to day
Kallam’s 45 day industry placement at BAM UK & Ireland has given him a close understanding of how construction projects are planned, coordinated and delivered.
Under the guidance of T Level industry placement lead Phil Eves, he’s gained a feel for the rhythms of a working site.
The coordination meetings, daily decisions, problem solving and teamwork that keep things moving are all things he’s been exposed to through placement.
“What stands out about Kallam is the maturity he brings to site. T Level learners arrive curious, motivated and ready to get involved. They often become valuable team members far quicker than people expect.”
Phil Eves, BAM UK & Ireland
Seeing the interplay between engineers, site managers, subcontractors and designers has helped him understand where his skills fit and where he might want to specialise next.
Construction as social impact
One experience in particular that changed Kallam’s perspective was a trip to Ecuador organised through his college.
While overseas Kallam helped build essential community infrastructure, including a school and bus stop. “It opened my eyes to what the world outside the UK is like, and how impactful building something can be for a community,” he reflects.
The project also contributed to his required industry placement hours and offers an example of how diverse, meaningful experiences can be built into the T Level pathway.
Skills built early and confidence that grows with responsibility
Beyond technical ability, the biggest shift for Kallam has been personal confidence.
“I’ve gained a lot of self-confidence. I’m able to talk more and I feel more capable because of the responsibilities I’ve been given,” he says.
His industry placement has helped him understand not only what needs to be delivered on site, but how: how teams communicate, how issues are escalated, how site logistics work, and how decisions are made under pressure. These are insights that typically take years to acquire.
Early exposure has also shaped where Kallam now sees his future. “At first I wanted to do civil engineering, but I’ve fallen more into the design sector now and want to pursue architecture,” he explains. “I’d love to design my own dream house one day.”
He has already secured multiple UCAS offers and he is exploring degree apprenticeship opportunities, which would allow him to continue learning through practical experience, something he now knows is central to how he works best.
What Kallam’s story tells us about the workforce entering construction
Kallam’s story exemplifies the changing nature of the construction workforce, illustrating how early site exposure and employer-supported pathways are equipping new learners with both the confidence and skills needed to thrive.
As a testament to his achievements and the impact of technical education, Kallam has become one of the faces of the Department for Education’s Skills for Life campaign.
This national initiative celebrates young people, adults and employers from across the country who are helping to build a strong talent pipeline for the future.
Kallam’s experience serves as a practical illustration of the variety of entry routes available for learners, and how early exposure to industry can help shape career paths in construction.
His journey highlights the growing readiness of learners to step into professional roles, the expectation of digital fluency among the next generation, and an increasing desire for purpose-driven careers.
Through hands-on experience, individuals like Kallam are able to clarify their long-term ambitions at an earlier stage, shaping a more focused and motivated future workforce.
These developments reflect broader trends within the sector, as seen across other advertorial features, and signal a meaningful evolution in how construction talent is being nurtured and developed.
A look ahead
With practical skills, professional confidence and early site experience already under his belt, Kallam is entering the industry with a clarity and readiness that reflect a wider shift in how construction talent is developing.
His message to young people considering a T Level is simple: “Go for it. If you’ve got passion for the industry, you’ll prosper.”
For employers and for the future workforce that shift may be one of the most meaningful changes to come from the growth of technical pathways.
Search Skills for Life to find out more about training and employment schemes.
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