About Us
What We Do
Build & Elevate is a London-based charity on a mission to transform lives through careers in construction. Founded by Joshua King & Jaqueline Mars, we exist to give young people, particularly those at risk of falling into crime, a clear, supported pathway into skilled trades.
We deliver hands-on construction training, personal mentorship, and community engagement, equipping young people with the confidence, purpose, and practical skills they need to succeed. Our programmes aren’t just about learning a trade they’re about building futures.
By partnering with leading construction companies, we ensure our learners are job ready and connected to real employment opportunities. We actively bridge the gap between raw potential and the professional world, creating a new pipeline of talent for the industry.
Operating from The Dene Community Centre in South London, our impact extends citywide through school talks, workshops, and outreach events that inspire the next generation.
At Build & Elevate, we believe construction is more than a career it’s a powerful tool for social change. We’re here to help young people lay the foundations for a better life.
Mission Statement
Build and Elevate is a Community Interest Company dedicated to empowering individuals, both young and old, by providing training and opportunities in various construction trades. We offer hands-on workshops, financial support for select applicants.
Who I Am
Josh King is a 25-year-old electrician, entrepreneur, and youth mentor from Peckham, South London. He is the founder of KK Electrical Contractor Ltd, where he employs a team of 15 and leads electrical fitouts across the Southeast. Through motivational content on social media, Josh inspires young people to consider careers in construction.
In 2023, a widely publicised stop-and-search incident involving the Met Police brought Josh into the national spotlight. Since then, he has become a powerful advocate for fair treatment and systemic change.
Josh also leads a social enterprise, Build & Elevate CIC, which helps young people and ex-offenders gain skills and pathways into the trades, inspiring the next generation to build brighter futures.
(UK’s first black female Crane Operator)
I Am
Jacqueline Mars is a NEBOSH-certified health and safety professional with over ten years of experience in the construction industry. As co-founder of Build & Elevate CIC, she is responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of people, plant, and property across all training and project sites. Trained in operating overhead plant machinery, Jacqueline brings both practical expertise and leadership to her role, ensuring all operations meet the highest safety standards.
Beyond her technical acumen, Jacqueline is a mentor, guest speaker, and passionate advocate for women in construction. She champions the unique skills, insights, and perspectives that women contribute to the sector, working to create a more inclusive, innovative, and efficient construction environment.
Through her work with Build & Elevate, Jacqueline empowers the next generation especially women and underrepresented individuals by providing access to skills, opportunities, and support to thrive in the trades.
