The Academy saw some of the brightest young minds from construction, lighting and M&E come together to share knowledge at our Greater Manchester headquarters.  

20 young apprentices and recent graduates, representing 18 companies across Whitecroft and BAM’s South West of England supply chain, gathered with industry thought leaders, networked, shared knowledge and bright ideas. 

The intensive two-day programme included seminars, workshops, a factory tour, and social events, all carefully developed by the Whitecroft team, with participants then given the opportunity to join a 12-month training programme led by Whitecroft’s Head of Academy, Tim Bowes. 

The goal 

The wider aim of Bright Futures is to help break down some of the barriers that persist in traditional siloed construction supply chains – barriers that can prevent essential collaborative working.  

Sessions covered a range of topics, including lighting quality and optics, technology and materials, lighting marketing and sustainability. 

Amanda Rushby, Whitecroft Lighting’s Head of Strategic Partnering said: “It was fantastic to see the Bright Futures Academy become a reality after so many months of planning. 

“Our vision is to bring young people together from across the supply chain spectrum at the very start of their careers, so we can introduce a more collaborative approach to working. 

“As a manufacturer, we can sometimes feel like the ‘last stop’ on the supply chain line, but high-quality and sustainable lighting now demands a more integrated approach to design, with increased contact at different levels.” 

Amanda continues: “The Bright Future’s Academy will be available to all Whitecroft’s Lighting’s strategic partners, and I’m thrilled to have BAM on board."

“BAM’s Social Sustainability Manager, Jess Morgan and Building Services Construction Manager, Adam Wylie, and the wider BAM team have been so enthusiastic and supportive from the start, and together I felt like we created an ambitious but fun atmosphere that really fired people’s curiosity and creativity.” 

Tony Male, Whitecroft’s Sales Manager for South West and Wales agrees: “The first Bright Futures Academy will be focused on the South West supply chain, which I think is reflective of the fantastic work Whitecroft has done in that region over the years. 

“The construction industry has changed so much since I started forty years ago, and I’ve been thrilled to see such a wide range of young professionals sign up with the first Bright Futures Academy, including M&E consultants and contractors and principal contractors." 

“I know how valuable it would have been to my development at their age.” 

Partnership 

Jess Morgan, Social Sustainability Manager at BAM said: “The Bright Futures Academy is yet another example of Whitecroft Lighting being proactive when it comes to generating social value. 

“BAM immediately recognised the potential benefits for our apprentices, and those across the supply chain, and we see it as a fantastic opportunity for people to build their networks and gain invaluable insight early in their careers.” 

BAM is a long-standing Whitecroft Lighting customer and strategic partner, and earlier this year awarded Whitecroft an Environmental Award at its annual Western Supply Chain Awards. 

Whitecroft Lighting has worked with BAM on several projects across the UK, including the marquee Temple Quay House project in Bristol, Exmouth Community College, Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed School in South Wales and The Cheshire Police Authority. 

Whitecroft also won BAM’s prestigious Environmental Award earlier this year at the company’s annual Western Supply Chain Awards in Bristol. 

Thank you to all participating companies: BAM Western, BAM Design, Totus Exeter, Lorne Stewart Cardiff, Kendrick Electrical Bristol, Hoare Lea, Arup, Hydrock Bristol, AECOM Cardiff, Kemp Powell Hereford, Buro Happold Bath, SD Solution Exeter, T Clarke Bristol, McCanns Cardiff, High Admit Cardiff, NG Bailey, Briggs & Forrester, FP Hurley.