How our time at Muse has given us the confidence, experience, and platform to succeed in our careers

In October 2023, we announced a grassroots partnership with Oldham College to provide T-level students with a wide range of experiences and career paths within the regeneration sector.

The first of its kind, the partnership provides students studying Design, Surveying and Planning, the opportunity to work with Muse and other partner organisations in the built environment.

Off the back of the programme’s success last year when we welcomed our first two students from Oldham College, now the latest pair to benefit from the partnership, Jadon Dooley and Scott Campbell, have reflected on what has been an ‘eye-opening’ experience.

It’s strange to think that just two years ago we were both exploring what to do next. We both had an interest in the built environment, but what specifically we wanted to do, and how we would achieve that, was largely a mystery to us.

Our journey started with learning about T-Levels, a route we had no idea about. As an alternative pathway into the industry, it was different from the traditional route many people take, but which still offered a qualification which was equivalent to three A-Levels. After discovering that the course in Design, Surveying and Planning included placement opportunities, with 20% ‘on-the-job’ experience it became a no brainer.

It was in our second year when we began to learn more about the range of openings available to us. This was with the support of Mark Barratt who leads on T-Level placements at Oldham College.

This was reinforced by a presentation given by members of the Muse team, who spoke passionately about the work being delivered in communities across the UK, the open, honest and trusting workplaces which they promote, and the Muse Academy which is designed to create more opportunities for young people within the placemaking and regeneration industry.

The experience has done exactly that. Since January 2025, we have been experiencing what life is like on a day-to-day basis at a national placemaker, working with the design and professional consultant teams, and other partner organisations.

We have been able to get involved in projects across our region, and beyond. This has included supporting the £450m transformation of our hometown, Oldham town centre, a vision to create a new, thriving, town centre neighbourhood right on our doorstep. From site visits to discussions with key partners shaping the future, it has been an extremely enjoyable and proud moment for us to play a part in this process.

We have also been directly involved in project management meetings focused on the more technical design processes. For example, on Farmer Norton, which form part of the £2.5bn Salford Crescent Masterplan and is creating high-quality, sustainable and affordable homes for people.

The entire Muse team has been open and welcoming too. Everyone from the senior leadership team down has been inclusive, approachable, and enabled us to feel part of the team. If we have a question, we’ve felt confident to ask. If we have a contribution to make to a discussion, we have been encouraged and supported – even if it is outside of our comfort zone.

The support of others already involved in Muse Academy has helped us as well. Young mentors including Graduate Development Manager, Abiola Ogunsami, and Raheim Clemetson, Project Manager Apprentice have given meaningful 1-to-1 guidance and advice as well as showing what a realistic next step in our path could look like.

With the support of HR Co-ordinator at Muse, Anna Fletcher, great effort has been made to put us on this sure footing for the future, with support in setting us up on LinkedIn, improving and re-fining our CV, and developing our presentation skills, particularly valuable.

Attending the panel discussions hosted by Muse further opened our eyes to the role they are playing as placemakers across the UK, working in partnership to transform our towns and cities and make a real meaningful difference to communities.

As we prepare to receive our exam results later this summer, this experience has been hugely beneficial. Working with Muse has not only aided our development, but it has given us the confidence and enthusiasm to go out there and pursue our career goals in the regeneration industry.

For those who might be looking to pursue a career in the industry, or placement at Muse as part of their T-Level studies, this is a special opportunity. If you show willingness, listen, take notes, ask questions, and keep an open mind, there are very few experiences like it.