At Drive Forward Foundation, we believe that meaningful career opportunities begin with connection, confidence and the right support.

Kiebron’s journey demonstrates how employer partnerships and personalised career guidance can open doors for care-experienced young people and help them build pathways into careers aligned with their ambitions.

Kiebron has been supported by Drive Forward since 2019 including whilst she was studying Architecture at university. Throughout this time, she has shown determination and initiative, actively seeking out opportunities to develop her experience alongside her studies.

Partnership

Kiebron has worked closely with Drive Forward’s careers team to explore opportunities that would help her to develop new skills, grow her network, gain practical experience and move closer to her long-term career goals within the built environment sector.

Ahmed, Senior Careers Specialist at Drive Forward, says:

“Kiebron has always been responsive and proactive when seeking out opportunities whilst doing her degree. I managed to secure her a position part time with Pret which she sustained for two years. Kiebron has attended several Drive Forward events including the Drive Forward Open Day where she met Etec. I am so happy and proud that Kiebron secured the paid work experience with Etec which aligns nicely with her career goals. It has been an absolute pleasure supporting Kiebron and I am confident she will go far in her chosen career.”

In October 2025, Kiebron attended the Drive Forward Open Day, an event designed to connect care-experienced young people with inclusive employers and create opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Nina, Community Partnerships Manager at Drive Forward, says:

“The Open Day was designed to create meaningful connections between young people and employers, so it’s fantastic to see that this event has led to a real opportunity for Kiebron. She connected with Etec at the event, and through the support of the team and the work experience opportunity, she has now secured a role where she is thriving. Kiebron’s journey is a brilliant example of what collaborative support and employer engagement can achieve.”

Opportunity

Following the event, Drive Forward worked closely with Etec and Buxton Building Contractors Ltd to coordinate a structured work experience placement for four young people, including Kiebron.

Bronwen, Employer Engagement Manager at Drive Forward, explains:

“We worked closely with Etec and Buxton to coordinate a work experience placement for our young people. As part of this, we organised a pre-placement call so they could meet the team, learn more about the role and feel confident ahead of starting. We supported the young people throughout the placement and fed back insights to help shape the experience. It’s been fantastic to see one of our young people build on this opportunity, receive positive feedback and progress into employment in a role aligned with their interests.”

During the placement, Kiebron gained valuable exposure to the industry through workshops, project activities and site visits. Her enthusiasm, curiosity and commitment stood out to the team and demonstrated her strong interest in the sector.

Impact

Following the placement, Kiebron was invited to interview for, and was subsequently offered, a paid internship within Etec’s Design Management team, which she began in January 2026. The role has provided her with hands-on experience in a professional environment while continuing to build the skills developed through her recently completed Phase 1 architecture degree.

Etec Group is proud to support emerging talent, and Kiebron’s progression reflects the value of early engagement and structured development within the industry.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Kiebron says:

“I’m really grateful to the team for taking the time to guide and mentor me during my time with the design team. I’ve learned so much from Morgan and Chris and I truly appreciate all the guidance. Etec has been so welcoming and inspiring and I’m really grateful for everything I’ve learned and excited to see what the future holds.”

By combining personalised career support with strong employer partnerships, Drive Forward helps ensure care-experienced young people are not only able to access opportunities but are supported to succeed within them.

Kiebron’s journey is a powerful example of how the right connections, encouragement and opportunity can help turn potential into a thriving career.