The undergraduates at Nottingham Trent University visited Bingham Primary School in Nottingham. The project, which has been procured through SCAPE Construction, is being designed and managed by our team here at ARC Partnership with Morgan Sindall Construction managing the build. The students also had the chance to visit Bingham Arena and Enterprise Centre which is being constructed by our partner, Willmott Dixon.

The visit enabled the students to gain a greater understanding of the construction process and the diverse career opportunities available outside of the classroom.

STEER was founded in 2016 due to a lack of support in the built environment for undergraduates transitioning from education to industry. The programme seeks to ensure final-year students from all backgrounds are confident, connected, and feel part of the sector’s community so they can forge fulfilling careers and contribute to a sustainable future.

Josie Rothera, one of the directors at STEER and a chartered civil engineer, said: “Leaving university and entering the world of work is a huge change. With the built environment offering a diverse range of careers, approaching graduation can be a daunting time when you don’t know what you want to do.

“STEER seeks to improve students’ understanding of the industry and give them a better idea of what they want to do based on their interests. Coming from under-represented groups, our mentors are able to offer relatable advice based on their personal experience, but ultimately, it’s the students who take the initiative and self-responsibility to act on this and open doors for themselves.”

Dan Maher, Managing Director at Arc Partnership, said: “Continuing to inspire and educate the next generation of talent in construction is vital if we are to address the skills gap and ensure the industry is fit for the future. The STEER programme is a great opportunity for students to see first-hand how transformative infrastructure with a clear focus on social value can enhance local communities.”

Richard Fielding, area director at Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “Programmes such as STEER are incredibly important to the built environment, and we are excited to continue our work with the programme as its values align closely with ours as we inspire and nurture the next generation of talent. Site visits offer an experience which cannot be gained in a lecture theatre, and we are always eager to encourage students to seek as much experience and understanding as they can.”