We’re delighted to announce we have launched our first dedicated school engagement programme, ‘Next Gen’, marking a new step in our commitment to creating a lasting positive impact in the communities where we build.
Rolling out across Cumbria from September 2026, the new initiative forms part of Genesis Homes’ wider community engagement strategy, with a focus on creating meaningful opportunities for young people while building stronger connections between our developments and the communities around them.
Initially, the programme will partner with one school close to each Genesis Homes development, giving pupils the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of how new communities are created, the variety of careers involved in housebuilding and the skills needed to shape the places where people live.
Recognising the value of collaboration, we have partnered with fellow Cumbrian organisations to help deliver the programme and maximise its impact. The Cumberland Building Society will lead financial education sessions for secondary school students across Cumbria, while The Rebuild Site will deliver sustainability workshops for schools in Carlisle, helping young people understand the importance of environmental responsibility, particularly within modern construction.
Ahead of the official launch, we piloted our first Careers in Construction sessions with Penrith-based schools Ullswater Community College and Stainton Primary School. The sessions introduced pupils to the diverse careers involved in housebuilding and challenged them to design their own development, considering everything from the homes and target market to the community spaces needed to create a 
thriving neighbourhood. Pupils also took part in practical activities, including creating dream home mood boards and constructing and insulating model homes. Feedback from the trial sessions will help shape the programme ahead of its wider rollout.
Following the session, Rachel Wilson, Headteacher at Stainton Primary School, said:
“I just wanted to reiterate our thanks for coming into school and sharing your knowledge and insight about Genesis Homes with the children. It was a super workshop which the children really enjoyed – they even continued their mood boards the next day.”
Nicky Gordon, Managing Director of Genesis Homes, said:
“Next Gen is about opening young people’s eyes to the incredible range of opportunities that exist within our industry and at the same time providing them with early life lessons in personal finances that would lead to owning a home in the future. Construction is so much more than what happens on a building site – there are careers in design, engineering, planning, sustainability, marketing, finance and so much more, and we want young people to see just how many paths are open to them.
“For us, building new homes has always been about much more than bricks and mortar. We want to become part of the communities we’re building in, and that starts long before the first families move in. Working with local schools gives us a fantastic opportunity to build those connections early, while hopefully inspiring some of the young people who could one day help shape the future of our industry. The programme also encourages young people to see the advantages of new build homes in relation to the environment through reuse of waste, energy efficiency, and being low carbon pollute
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“What makes Next Gen even more exciting is that we’re doing it alongside another brilliant Cumbrian businesses. By bringing different organisations, skills and experiences together, we can give young people something genuinely engaging and show them the wealth of opportunity that exists right here in Cumbria.”
Hannah Williamson, Community Branch Manager for The Cumberland said:
“This is a great initiative and wonderful to see a Cumbrian business investing in the region and trying to make a positive difference for the next generation of school children and beyond.”
Next Gen is the first dedicated school programme to be launched by Genesis Homes and represents our commitment to putting our community engagement strategy into action. Through the initiative, we aim to create lasting connections with schools, inspire the next generation and ensure our developments have a positive impact beyond the homes themselves.