Building Careers: Eastbourne MP Connects with Future Trade Professionals at ESC

Josh Babarinde OBE, Eastbourne's MP and an East Sussex College alumnus, recently visited construction students at the college, aiming to connect with the future workforce and share his insights on career progression.

Accompanied by tutor Lee Olden, Josh met students from a variety of courses, including Multi-Skills, T-Level Construction, Carpentry, and Plumbing. He engaged with students on their hands-on projects, discussing tools, techniques, and what inspires them in their work.

Josh also held conversations with students about employment opportunities and career pathways, especially with those studying plumbing, and committed to returning in the new year to share more about his own professional journey.

Mandy Usher, Careers and Employability Sector Lead for Construction, guided students on how to document this experience on Navigate, their online portal for career development and enrichment activities.

Lee Olden, Construction and Building Services lecturer at East Sussex College, said, “Having Josh visit was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see where their skills can take them. His insights on career progression and the importance of hands-on experience really resonated with the class.”

If you’d like to find out more about studying in construction at East Sussex College, please click here.