Having completed her two-year Leadership & Management T Level course in the summer, Tilly will continue to provide input on how Back Park in Holgate can be improved as a social space for teenagers. This initiative is part of McLaren Property's social impact work.
Tilly explained that the park is being adapted to be more suitable for early teenagers, offering a dedicated area to prevent antisocial behaviour. During her placement, she presented her ideas, which were well-received. Her research included looking at parks in Amsterdam for inspiration, incorporating features like swinging chairs, seating areas, and wireless phone-charging points.
She expressed pride and excitement at being kept on for the project over the next few years, noting the professional feeling of being involved in meetings and receiving progress updates. Tilly highlighted the creative control and the value placed on her ideas by McLaren and external collaborators.
Her placement, which often involved working on the large-scale York Central regeneration project, also enhanced her self-belief and communication skills. Tilly noted that dealing with people of different ages during her placement boosted her confidence in speaking with new people, alleviating fears about starting her career.
Tilly also gained practical workplace skills, including admin work, document review, and proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint. She conducted comparisons for schemes like BTR (Build-To-Rent) and student accommodation, primarily focusing on the North but sometimes including London.
Tilly learned about the social impact work at York Central through her father, who works for Network Rail. After making inquiries, she secured an interview and became invested in the redevelopment programme, drawn by its proximity to her home and its potential positive impact on York.
She spent time in the Leeds office and attended architect meetings, gaining insight into the project's scale. Her experience has shifted her career aspirations from estate agency to project and change management, focusing on problem-solving and working with people.
Tilly chose a T Level for its focus on coursework over exams, finding it a better fit than traditional A Levels. She appreciated the greater independence offered by York College compared to staying at her secondary school's sixth form.
The T Level curriculum, with its emphasis on Gantt Charts and Excel, proved directly relevant to her placement experience, making her feel more prepared for the workplace.
