Inspiring future talent at Olive AP Academy

Bridge Recruitment recently delivered an engaging careers workshop at OA Olive Academy in Hornchurch, Essex, introducing students to the world of recruitment and the diverse opportunities within facilities and property management. Led by Managing Director Michelle Brightly, the session brought the industry to life, breaking down misconceptions and helping students understand how roles in engineering, maintenance, security, cleaning, and front-of-house all contribute to the smooth running of workplaces and public spaces.

This kind of direct employer engagement is more than a one-off interaction; it reflects the strategic value of the Enterprise Advisor role in supporting schools to deliver meaningful, impactful careers education. Through her work with the Careers & Enterprise Company, Michelle partners with schools like Olive AP Academy to help shape careers programmes aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring students receive relevant, real-world insight that supports informed decision-making about their futures.

A key part of this work is addressing the well-documented skills gap in FM, an industry that underpins the built environment but is often overlooked by young people. Many students simply aren’t aware of FM as a career pathway, and when they are, it’s frequently misunderstood as narrow or low-skilled. In reality, the sector offers a wide spectrum of roles, from entry-level positions through to highly technical and leadership careers, with clear progression routes and opportunities for long-term development.

By raising the profile of FM through early engagement, Bridge Recruitment is helping to reposition the industry in the minds of young people. Workshops like this highlight not just the roles themselves, but the skills behind them, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, technical expertise, and adaptability, making clear how these align with what employers are actively seeking. This is particularly impactful in an alternative provision setting like OA Olive Academy, where building confidence and demonstrating achievable career pathways can be transformative.

The Enterprise Advisor role strengthens this impact by embedding employer insight into the school’s wider careers strategy. Rather than isolated encounters, students benefit from a more consistent and structured approach to understanding the world of work. This supports key Gatsby Benchmarks, particularly those focused on employer engagement and linking curriculum learning to careers, while also ensuring that provision reflects current labour market needs.

Importantly, raising awareness of FM careers also helps to diversify the future workforce. By reaching students earlier, especially those who may not follow traditional academic routes, Bridge is helping to open doors into an industry that offers stability, progression, and a wide range of entry points, including apprenticeships and vocational pathways. This not only benefits students but also supports employers who are facing ongoing recruitment challenges.

Through sustained engagement with schools, Bridge Recruitment is playing a proactive role in building a stronger talent pipeline for the FM sector. By showcasing the breadth of opportunities, challenging outdated perceptions, and aligning education with industry needs, the Enterprise Advisor role becomes a strategic tool in closing the skills gap, ensuring that the next generation is both aware of and prepared for the opportunities within the built environment.

https://www.bridgerecruitment.co.uk/