For many students, work experience is the first step into understanding how classroom learning connects with the professional world. For Ethem Asim, a second-year T Level student at South Bank Colleges, his placement with Banyards has been nothing short of transformative.
“My work experience with Banyards has been an incredibly eye-opening and enriching journey,” Ethem reflects. “Being exposed to real-world engineering projects has not only deepened my understanding of the building services industry but also inspired me to pursue a career in this field with even more confidence and ambition.”
Banyards, a leading independent building services engineering consultancy, is well-known for delivering high-quality design, sustainability, and project management across commercial, educational, and hospitality projects. For Ethem, seeing the company’s work first-hand revealed just how dynamic and creative the sector can be.
One highlight of his placement was visiting live sites, where theory came to life in practical settings. “My favourite site so far has been The Ritz Hotel. Seeing the design and construction of the luxury rooms and the two-story ensuite was fascinating — it showcased the blend of technical precision, attention to detail, and luxury aesthetics that Banyards brings to its projects. It made me realise how creative and rewarding this industry can be when engineering meets innovation.”
The placement also gave Ethem a valuable insight into the wide range of career paths within building services engineering and the atmosphere of working in a professional consultancy. “I felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged throughout my time, which really boosted my confidence and motivation to succeed in this field,” he says.
Importantly, he recognises how vital opportunities like these are for students at the start of their careers. “Work experience placements like this are essential for young people from diverse backgrounds to get a foot in the door and gain exposure to an industry that can often seem out of reach. I’m genuinely grateful that Banyards offers these opportunities, as it helps open the industry to future talent like me.”
At South Bank Colleges, employer partnerships like the one with Banyards are at the heart of giving students the real-world insight and experience they need to thrive in their chosen careers. Ethem’s story is a powerful example of how these opportunities can ignite ambition, broaden horizons, and provide a confident pathway into the world of work.
