HICL Builders was proud to support Nescot College at a recent Dragon’s Den style student presentation event, helping learners develop confidence, communication skills and a stronger understanding of professional expectations.

Andi Drishti, Director of HICL Builders, attended the event as part of the employer feedback panel. Students were invited to present their business ideas, answer questions and receive constructive feedback from professionals with real industry and employer experience.

The invitation from Nescot highlighted a wider programme of employer engagement across the day. This included Level 2 Idea Presentations in a Dragon’s Den style format, an Employer Forum focused on preparing students for the world of work, and an End of Year Showcase where second year students presented products they had developed and launched.

These activities gave learners an important opportunity to practise public speaking, explain their thinking clearly and respond to professional questioning in a supportive but realistic environment. For students preparing for employment, apprenticeships, further training or future business opportunities, this kind of experience can be highly valuable.

For HICL Builders, the event was also a strong example of how local employers can help bridge the gap between education and industry. By engaging directly with students, businesses can give practical insight into what employers look for, including preparation, reliability, confidence, communication and the ability to take feedback positively.

Andi said: “It was a real pleasure to take part in Nescot College’s student presentations and support such a positive Dragon’s Den style event. The students showed confidence, preparation and creativity, and it was encouraging to see them present their ideas with such focus. At HICL Builders, we are proud to support young people as they explore future careers and develop the skills needed for the professional world.”

Following the event, Jen Harvey from Nescot College highlighted the importance of employer involvement in helping students build confidence, communication skills and professional awareness. The college noted that constructive feedback from industry representatives gives learners a clearer understanding of workplace expectations and helps bridge the gap between education and employment. The event also demonstrated how encouragement, patience and real-world insight can support students as they develop academically, professionally and personally.

HICL Builders has built a strong relationship with Nescot College through previous education and industry engagement, including career discussions and support for students exploring routes into construction. The company believes that young people benefit from early exposure to employment, especially in sectors such as construction, trades and property improvement, where both technical ability and professional attitude matter.

HICL Builders would like to thank Sam and Jen from the Nescot College team for organising the event and for continuing to create meaningful opportunities for learners. The company looks forward to supporting future initiatives that help students build skills, confidence and ambition.