Educate, Inspire and Empower
Educate, Inspire and Empower
Fourteen students from Hailsham Academy in East Sussex were given a unique opportunity to experience the world of construction and infrastructure first-hand during a special Learning in Action Day at the Michelham Priory project site.
Delivered by Constructing Change, in partnership with VolkerStevin, the Environment Agency and JBA Consulting, the event was designed to inspire the next generation by giving students the opportunity to step onto a live construction site, meet the people delivering the project and discover the breadth of careers available across the construction industry.
Throughout the day, the students explored the Michelham Priory project, learning how engineering, environmental management, ecology and teamwork come together to deliver vital infrastructure. They also took part in a series of hands-on activities and spoke directly with project professionals about their own career journeys, helping to bring the industry to life beyond the classroom.
The visit forms part of Constructing Change’s Learning in Action programme, which connects young people with employers through meaningful workplace experiences that challenge perceptions, build confidence and demonstrate the wide range of opportunities available across construction and the built environment.
Sarah Fontana, National Programme Manager at Constructing Change said: “We often say, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see,’ and that’s exactly why Learning in Action exists. By giving young people the opportunity to experience a live construction site, meet the people behind these incredible projects and ask questions, we are helping them to see the industry in a completely different light. Days like this open doors, broaden horizons and show every student that there is a place for them within construction.”
The Michelham Priory scheme, which has been managed via the Environment Agency’s delivery framework between the Environment Agency, VolkerStevin and JBA, is improving flood resilience while protecting the historic surroundings of the Priory, giving students the chance to see how engineering, environmental management and heritage conservation come together on a modern infrastructure project.
Mark Cronshaw, Framework Director at VolkerStevin said: “We are delighted to welcome students from Hailsham Academy to the Michelham Priory project. Opening our sites to young people is an important way of showcasing the exciting and varied careers available across construction and infrastructure. We hope the experience has inspired the students to think differently about the industry and the opportunities it offers.
The school shared details of the visit on its newsletter saying: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to VolkerStevin and Constructing Change for inviting our students to participate in this fantastic one-off event. Opportunities such as these play an important role in broadening horizons, challenging misconceptions, and inspiring young people to consider the many rewarding careers available within the construction sector.”
Constructing Change supports the Government’s priorities around skills, careers education and social mobility by providing meaningful employer encounters and workplace experiences. Through Learning in Action, students gain valuable insight into technical and vocational careers across construction, engineering, infrastructure and flood and coastal erosion risk management.
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