Inspiring future engineers

We recently had the pleasure of hosting two work experience students from Nottinghamshire schools who are eager to pursue careers in engineering.

We set them to work with a brief for a vacant site proposed for building accommodation or educational facilities. They were given all the necessary resources to conduct due diligence, perform site appraisals, and engage in planning processes. This initial phase introduced them to the foundational elements of project development.

Following their initial appraisal, they entered the design development phase. Here, they were tasked with generating 2 potential solutions for the site. This exercise required them to consider critical factors such as site drainage, leading them to develop a comprehensive drainage and site levels strategy. They also applied their mathematical skills to perform structural modelling calculations by hand, giving them a taste of the precision and analytical thinking required in engineering.

To broaden their understanding, we arranged a site visit to an active project. This excursion provided valuable insights into the distinct roles of consulting engineers and the on-site operations, illustrating the full spectrum of an engineer’s responsibilities.

After a week fully immersed in the world of engineering Hei Yau said “I’ve realised that civil engineering is far more difficult that I thought it would be. First time seeing the layout plan of a construction site really blows my mind. This gives me a clear goal to achieve so that I can easily understand it one day and become a successful engineer like everyone else in HWA”.

Overall, the experience was a fantastic opportunity for the students to gain practical knowledge and insight into the engineering profession. We hope it has inspired them and affirmed their interest in this dynamic field.