An inclusive approach to early careers

In collaboration with Springpod, JLL launched Building Your Future - a free, virtual work experience programme created to open doors for young people across the UK. With support from Meta, the course was designed to give students from all backgrounds a meaningful introduction to careers in real estate.

By removing barriers such as location, cost and connections, the programme has made an industry that’s often viewed as inaccessible feel possible (and even exciting) for thousands of young people.

The student story: Syriah Clayton-Rumble

Syriah Clayton-Rumble is now a Commercial Apprentice Surveyor at JLL. But just a few years ago, she was a college student with no clear way to gain experience in the built environment.

That changed in 2022 when she was introduced to Springpod through her college.

“I came across Springpod through my college, which shared it as a platform for students to gain work experience. That’s how I found the Meta x JLL ‘Building Your Future’ course and it changed everything.”

Syriah recalls three reasons why the programme stood out:

It offered insight into JLL and the real estate industry
“It gave me a strong introduction to JLL’s operations and how broad the sector really is. The course also included REDI content (Race, Ethnicity, Diversity & Inclusion) which made me feel like there’s space for people like me in this industry.”

It was flexible and self-paced
“Being able to fit it around college and other responsibilities made it much easier to fully engage. I wasn’t under pressure to complete it all at once, which really helped.”

It introduced real business areas and sustainable practice
“I learned about transaction management and sustainability, including examples like what’s being done at JLL’s Canary Wharf office. It opened my eyes to the different pathways available, even ones I hadn’t considered before.”

Completing the course gave Syriah clarity and confidence. She later secured a competitive degree apprenticeship with JLL.

“It aligned well with my aspiration to have a future career in the Built Environment and having no experience in Real Estate, and limited opportunities to gain them, this was exactly the introduction to the industry that I needed!”

About the programme: Building Your Future

Created by JLL and Meta in partnership with Springpod, Building Your Future is a fully virtual course that provides a comprehensive overview of careers in real estate.

Delivered through a mix of written, video and interactive content, the programme helps students understand the wide range of opportunities available,  from sustainability and data to project management and entrepreneurship.

Key features include:

• ‘Life In’ video series featuring real industry professionals
  
  
• Interactive quizzes and scenario-based activities
  
  
• A REDI module exploring inclusion in real estate
  
  
• A creative challenge using Minecraft to reimagine the built environment

The flexible format ensures students can engage in their own time, from anywhere in the UK.

The impact: reaching students who need it most

The programme didn’t just attract high numbers - it reached young people from backgrounds that are often underrepresented in the industry:

• 3,358 students enrolled
  
  
• 21,894 hours of engaged learning delivered
  
  
• Career awareness increased from 15% to 43%
  

Learner demographics:

• 60% identified as being from a minority ethnic background
  
  
• 32% were eligible for free school meals
  
  
• 6% had a special educational need or disability
  
  
• 26% were first-generation university applicants

The outcome: proven social value

In partnership with GIST Impact, Springpod developed a framework to measure the Social Return on Investment (SROI) of virtual work experience. This provides a robust, evidence-based way to understand the real-world outcomes of participation.

For JLL, the results are compelling:

• £1.47 million in total social value created
  
  
• £16.27 returned for every £1 invested

These figures represent more than just financial value. They showcase improved employability, higher confidence, greater motivation, and in young people like Syriah’s case, direct progression into a competitive career.

Leading with purpose

This success is no accident. It’s the result of strategic leadership and a long-term commitment to equity and inclusion.

JLL’s EMEA Social Impact Lead, Sean Condron, has played a key role in shaping the company’s approach to early careers outreach through social value.

Through the REDI programme, volunteering initiatives, and the JLL Social Impact Fund, the business is embedding social impact across its operations, ensuring its workforce reflects the communities it serves.

In a recent Springpod webinar, Sean shared his perspective on why this work matters - particularly in light of the million-plus young people in the UK currently at risk of long-term unemployment. He spoke about the role employers must play in levelling the playing field, and why inclusive, accessible programmes like virtual work experience are essential in building a more equitable future.

One story, thousands more to come

Syriah’s journey is just one example - but it represents the wider potential of virtual work experience to drive systemic change.

As more young people engage with programmes like Building Your Future, more doors will open. And thanks to organisations like JLL, the real estate industry is becoming not only more inclusive, but more forward-thinking.

JLL isn’t just shaping skylines. They’re shaping futures.

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