Recently, the NHEG ran the second Highways and Construction work experience week. providing young people aged 14-18 with first hand insights into construction and engineering companies within the highways sector. Through a blended mix of learning and mentoring, 40 students were given an opportunity to explore highways and construction and consider a future career in the industry.

The Highways and Construction work experience week took place from 4th – 8th of July 2022 and was a great success. So much so that it will now be an annual event that consists of a week of students from across England being offered the opportunity to access work experience at project sites, offices, and depot locations, both virtually and face to face.

Kevin Hutchinson BSc, Social Value Manager at SISK Contractors said: “Collaboration across the industry is critical to solve the widening skills gap and climate change crisis. Successful weeks like this can help to inspire individuals into the industry, as well as retain the interest of those already on a pathway to become our next generation of experts. NHEG members are making a real difference and with the continued support of National Highways, CIHT and all the stakeholders invested in supporting initiatives like this, our sphere of influence and activities can widen.”

Every student at the 2022 Highways and Construction work experience week worked at their respective employers in the morning, either at their offices or on site, and in the afternoon, they were provided with access to a mentor who supported them as they formed their own imaginary construction companies. They used what they had learned throughout their work experience (along with their own research and initiative), to put together a tender presentation as a team. The tender was then judged by a panel of industry experts, including a representative from CIHT.

Nathanial, a student who committed to the work experience week said, "I want to thank National Highways for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a great initiative. It is amazing the great deal of things I have learnt in just a week from interacting with experts and other students in the highway and construction industry. A big thank you our mentors for showing great enthusiasm in seeing us grow professionally and bringing the best out of us''

James D Leeming is on the CIHT Council and is a member of the CIHT Education and Professional Development Board. He is a Senior Project Manager at National Highways and was one of the judges for the tenders that the student teams submitted. James said: “The National Highways work experience week was a great success. It was fantastic to see all the schools and colleges from across the England working together and being supported by our exceptional supply chain partners and with the support of CIHT. It is comforting to know that’s so many young people from diverse backgrounds were enthused by highways construction, civil engineering, and project management. I’m sure many of the students will look to our sector for their next level of support into the working environment.”

The winners of the work experience week tender presentation were a group who chose the business name Eco Link. They won with an overall score of 9 out of 10 with their amazing presentation. They were selected as the overall winner because they provided several options of road routes, the explanations behind the thought process for each route and full cost breakdown for each suggested route. It was however difficult for the judges to select an overall winner, as all the entries were truly exceptional. If the NHEG and its mix of collaborative stakeholders can continue to nurture the diverse talent demonstrated by the students at this year’s work experience week, then it’s a strong sign that the future of our sector is in good hands.

Winners: Eco Link

Steph Tunstall, Business Manager at National Highways said: “It has been a pleasure to be involved in the Highways and Construction Work Experience Week. The young people involved have been amazing and I would like to say a big thank you to all the mentors and judges who have taken time out of their very busy diaries to share their knowledge and experiences with the students. What is clear, is that there is some fabulous talent coming through and I wish the students all the best in the chosen careers.”

National Highways are already preparing for the work experience week in 2023. For more information or to offer your support, please contact either Kevin Hutchinson at: KevinHutchinson@sisk.co.uk, or; Steph Tunstall at: Steph.Tunstall@nationalhighways.co.uk

If you are looking for ways to inspire the next generation, you can also volunteer as a CIHT STEM ambassador by visiting the CIHT or STEM Learning websites. For more information, please contact professionaldevelopment@ciht.org.uk