Apprentices from LDE UTC’s Engineering Skills College had the privilege of visiting the Houses of Parliament, where they were given an insightful and engaging tour led by one of Parliament’s specialist guides.
The visit offered a fascinating look into the history of British democracy, from monarchs and milestones to the evolution of modern governance. It was more than a tour — it was a real opportunity for our apprentices to understand how legislation shapes industries like construction and engineering, and how their future careers may one day be influenced by the decisions made within those walls.
During the tour, the group observed a planning discussion in the House of Lords, gaining a rare glimpse into how laws are debated, amended, and passed. This first-hand experience deepened their appreciation of how policy connects to their technical fields and professional ambitions.
A highlight of the day was seeing “New Dawn” — the stunning contemporary artwork by Mary Branson, commemorating the long and hard-fought campaign for women’s suffrage. For our apprentices, it was a powerful reminder of progress and inclusion in engineering and beyond.
“Seeing the artwork felt like a moment of reflection,” said Harman Kaur, Senior Civil Engineering Apprentice at Skanska. “It’s inspiring to know that women before us fought for the opportunities we now have. It reminds me to keep pushing forward.”
A special thank you goes to Sir Iain Duncan Smith for making this visit possible and for supporting opportunities that help young people understand the workings of Parliament and their place in shaping the future.
This visit captured the spirit of LDE UTC’s employer-led learning — combining practical training with social awareness, and reminding learners that leadership, equality, and innovation all start with understanding how systems work.
About IndEX Inspire (Masterclasses)
This experience forms part of our IndEX Inspire (Masterclasses) programme, one of four employer-led touchpoints at LDE UTC. IndEX Inspire brings professionals and real-world learning experiences into the classroom to help learners see how their subjects connect to wider industries and communities.
We’re proud of our apprentices and the impact they’re making.
If you’re an employer interested in collaborating or supporting our apprenticeship programmes, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with our Head of Partnerships, [email protected].
