Build your own Gherkin: engineering students get unique construction opportunity

By Comms Team | Published on 24 July 2024 | 4 min read

Engineering students from across Suffolk and Norfolk got the chance to experience the real-life demands of a large-scale construction project, as part of a five-day hands-on project organised by Sizewell C and delivered by Constructionarium, a not-for-profit organisation based in North Norfolk.

Twelve Engineering Foundation students from colleges across the region – including College of West Anglia, City College Norwich and Suffolk New College – had to construct a mini version of The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe, London), and were responsible for all parts of the build, including construction methodology, scheduling, budget control, and assembly.

The students took on the role of main contractor and site operatives, each of them assigned flexible roles to ensure they were able to pick up a range of new skills and practical experiences to support their classroom learning.

The result was an impressive 12m, three-storey replica constructed using seven levels of prefabricated steel on a concrete base, topped with a dome lifted into place by mobile crane.

Elliott Murphy, Skills Development Manager at Sizewell C, said: “Every part of this immersive experience replicates the real-life challenges of delivering a complex construction project. The students had to be on the site early, had to understand a challenging brief, order materials, pour concrete, and manage a mobile crane. They really had to work together to get this done successfully, and it was brilliant to see them picking up new skills so well and so quickly.”

Constructionarium provide a range of unique learning experiences for students studying built environment courses, allowing them to apply the theoretical knowledge in a safe practical setting.  Their courses enable students to gain technical, personal and employability skills whilst working in a team to replicate iconic structures from around the world.

Julia Stevens, Constructionarium Chief Executive, said: “It was a delight to host such a fantastic group of learners. They all accepted the challenge and worked hard as a team to deliver the project to “the Client” on time, in a safe manner. We are delighted that this is the first in a series of educational collaborations with Sizewell C.”

Sizewell C is working closely with further education providers in Suffolk and Norfolk to ensure that there is the necessary skills development to work with the project. Many of these skills will be transferrable to other projects in the East of England providing long-term stability to those who acquire them, regardless of occupation.

Student Ryan Fisk, who took on the role of Environment Manager during the Gherkin build, said: “This was the most extraordinary experience. Up until now, I had had no experience working on a construction site – but as we came to a finish, I felt more confident and proud that we were able to complete the Gherkin.

“The challenging parts were working with a new group of people in a short amount of time. As Environment Manger, I had to make sure everyone was being safe, especially working with concrete, and so I had to pick things up at a really fast rate.

“It was also a great opportunity to meet the team from Sizewell C, to talk with them about our progress, and for me to find out the different career paths this could lead to in my future.”

With over 1,500 apprenticeship opportunities available during the construction period, Sizewell C is offering a one-in-a-generation opportunity for young people in the region, offering the chance to develop valuable skills, higher earning potential, and improved life chances.

Elliott Murphy continued: “Many of the students on this project wanted to find out how they could work at Sizewell C. By giving them the chance to develop key real-world construction skills that we’d need on the project, this experience gives them a great opportunity to carry that forward onto the project, whether that’s in apprenticeship positions, MEH (Mechanical, Electrical, Heating) and operative roles, or permanent positions once the station is built. It also gives them the skills and experience needed to open up other opportunities across the region – the sky’s the limit.”

To further support getting young people into work, the project has also established Young Sizewell C: individuals aged 16 to 21 and living in Suffolk or Norfolk can register with the programme, which helps connect them to in-demand career and apprenticeship opportunities as they begin to emerge with the project.

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To find out more about opportunities at Sizewell C, check out our Careers page.

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Posted by Comms Team