Shape My City

Shape My City is an award-winning talent accelerator programme for 15-18 year olds that seeks to change the future workforce across the built environment. We connect diverse talent with the best companies.

The Next Generation

Successful Cities are shaped by the citizens of tomorrow.

Shape My City provides high quality careers development through hands-on workshops exploring careers in architecture, urban design, transport, engineering, renewable energy, planning, interior design and landscape. Workshops are delivered in partnership with the UKs best companies.

Female students, young people from minority ethnic backgrounds and those from less economically advantaged backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply. The programme works to change young people’s lives whilst building a more diverse and representative built environment sector.

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1%

of all British Architects are black

5%

of Directors and Senior Managers in Construction are BAME

12%

of all Engineers are women in the UK

83%

of Directors, and 95% of Senior Directors in the Private Planning Sector are men

“Shape my City has changed my life & I am grateful for the doors it has helped open.”
Cai Burton, Shape my City Graduate

READY TO CHANGE THE WORLD AROUND YOU?

15-18? Creative & interested in design?
You could consider a career as trim copy

Shape My City is a year-long programme that runs from October to July. Modules take place on the first Wednesday of the month, from 5-7pm, at Design West. Shape My City is free to take part. Design West will contribute £5 per module for travel & provide an evening meal for the cohort. 

Workshops & Seminars include:

Work alongside Design Professionals
Develop teamwork, confidence & communication skills
Learn about a variety of career options in the design sector & pathways to success
Connect with other creative young people from across the city & begin to create life-long networks  
Go on site visits to inspiring buildings

Applications for the next cohort will open around April 2025
Sign up to our monthly newsletter to hear when applications go live.

Partner with us on Shape my City

Take transformative action to nurture the success of diverse talent in Bristol.

Design West is looking for design, engineering and architecture organisations to join us in delivering Shape My City, inspiring young people and setting them up for successful careers in the built environment sector.

Help us change the future of the workforce and make a real difference in the lives of young people in our city.

Deliver on your corporate & social responsibility (CSR) through this award-winning programme 
Play a leading role in inspiring & encouraging diverse young people to join the sector
Inspire & develop your staff with opportunities to lead creative workshops & collaborate with young people 
Additional opportunities for staff CPD (e.g. join us for the year-end live build)

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