Viviene Bish-Bedeau
Social Handle:
@ceo_cic
About
I’m Viviene Bish-Bedeau, founder of Construction and Engineering Opportunities (CEO), a UK-based Community Interest Company focused on changing lives through practical skills and education. I started CEO with a strong commitment to inclusion and social impact, creating opportunities for young people and underserved communities—especially those who may feel disconnected from mainstream education—through hands-on construction and engineering training.
Founded in 2022, CEO delivers programmes including the Constructioneers Club for young people aged 6–16, accredited City & Guilds training, alternative provision, and courses for adults and asylum seekers. Based in central Croydon, we focus on small-group, practical learning that helps build confidence, employability, and real-world skills. My aim has always been to keep “the doors of learning open” and help create meaningful pathways for young people and others who need support to move forward.
What’s the most exciting part of being a DiNN One To Watch for you or your organisation?
Being seen.
When you’re busy rolling up your sleeves, running programmes, mentoring young people, chasing funding, fixing things in the workshop, and trying to change lives at the same time, you don’t always stop to realise people are watching in a positive way!
Being recognised by DiNN feels special because organisations like CEO can easily be overlooked. We’re not a huge company with flashy marketing budgets — we’re hands-on, community-based, and doing the real work on the ground. So for DiNN to say, “We see you, and what you’re building matters,” genuinely means a lot.
It also gives me a chance to show young people and the communities we support that there’s value in doing work with heart, purpose, and impact — even if your office sometimes looks more like a workshop covered in dust and copper pipes!
