The students were able gain valuable insight into the industry through a series of site visits arranged by construction company RG Carter.

The family-run business is currently building a new four-storey STEM teaching space at the University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus providing students from the Construction Management course an opportunity to observe and learn about the project in action.

Carter’s site team worked with University lecturer Dr James Bishop to make sure the initiative was aligned with the curriculum, enabling students to see the various stages of construction, from demolition right through to the main frame taking shape. This approach has supported the students’ learning to help them understand the different methods and phases of a large construction development.

Hayden Bartram, a student studying at the University, has enjoyed seeing the project take shape, said: “It is great to get out of the classroom and be on-site to see all the different aspects of working on a project of this scale, from the foundations up to the concrete structure. The visits have bought to life my studies, helping me visualise elements when writing assignments.”

Doug Stephen, Project Manager at R G Carter, believes visits like this are vital in shaping the future of the industry, he said: “We are proud to provide the next generation with the opportunity to visit a live construction site. It gives them a taste of what happens in real-time which is crucial to their understanding of practice in the construction industry.”

The STEM building is due to open in September 2019 and will include teaching and laboratory spaces, as well as a new Science and Engineering Outreach Centre. This will allow the University to offer a wide range of new science courses including Pharmacy, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Geology and Mechanical Engineering.

Further information about Construction Management and other courses available at the University can be found at www.beds.ac.uk/.