GRAHAM is delivering its Beacon Programme in Manchester, reinforcing a clear commitment to inclusive opportunity, skills development and meaningful early engagement with young people.
The Beacon Programme is a structured employability and work experience initiative designed specifically to support neurodivergent and Special Educational Needs (SEN) students as they begin to explore future career pathways. Delivered in partnership with local authorities, education providers and community organisations, the programme gives young people the opportunity to experience real working environments, build confidence and uncover new strengths.
How the Beacon Programme is being delivered in Manchester
The Manchester Beacon Programme brings together GRAHAM, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and delivery partners Konnect Radio and The Message Trust, creating a multi-layered experience that combines construction industry insight with creativity and self-expression.
Eleven Year 10 and Year 11 neurodivergent students from six local schools across Manchester are taking part in the programme.
Students Experience Construction in Action at Boddingtons
As part of the programme, students participated in dedicated on-site work experience days at GRAHAM’s Boddingtons project – a £110m regeneration of the former Boddingtons Brewery site, delivering 505 new homes on behalf of Latimer by Clarion Housing Group.
The experience included a project overview, health and safety induction and a guided site tour, giving students first-hand insight into how a major construction development is delivered. Students explored key aspects of construction from cutting-edge drone technology to hands-on brickwork, delivered by our supply chain partner Kinlan Brickwork, gaining insight into the wide range of roles involved in bringing a project to life.
Students were also encouraged to ask GRAHAM colleagues questions about careers, skills and pathways into construction.
Finding Their Voice Through Radio and Creativity
Alongside the construction placement, students also took part in work experience with Konnect Radio, where they swapped hard hats for headsets and stepped into the world of broadcasting. During their placement, students toured professional studios, learned how radio shows are produced and worked in teams to plan, script and record their own pilot programmes.
The creative strand of the programme continued at The Message Trust’s Tribe Academy, where students explored songwriting, beat-making, performance and recording. Working collaboratively, students expressed their ideas, emotions and ambitions through music, creating two original songs that reflect resilience, teamwork and positive self-belief.
A Programme With Purpose
The Beacon Programme is designed to do more than provide work placements. It aims to challenge perceptions, raise awareness of SEN talent and create positive, lasting experiences that students can be proud of well beyond the programme itself.
This introductory phase marks the beginning of the students’ Beacon Programme journey. An end‑of‑programme celebration event will take place on 7 May, where students will perform their original songs live in front of teachers, friends and family, accompanied by The Message Trust’s house band.
We look forward to sharing the end‑of‑programme celebration story soon.