VolkerStevin offers students a ‘behind the scenes’ look with Open Doors 2025
Last week, VolkerStevin participated in the annual Open Doors event. We opened our sites to the next generation, offering them a ‘behind the scenes’ look at some of our projects.
Open Doors, delivered by Build UK, aims to showcase the wide variety of careers available within construction both on and off site. Throughout Open Doors week, VolkerStevin invited students to visit some of our amazing projects, we opened the doors of our Southsea Coastal Scheme, New Wear Footbridge project and Phase 1b of our Rochdale and Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme (FRMS).
At our Southsea Coastal Scheme, which we’re delivering for Coastal Partners and Portsmouth City Council, we hosted Oarsome Chance, an alternative education provision bringing about change for young people with special educational needs. Upon arrival, the students had little knowledge of the scheme or the different job opportunities available on site. The team used a wall map of Southsea and fly through videos to showcase the work being done on the project, as well as using the wave tank to demonstrate how effective the rock revetment is. They also spoke to the students about colleagues who are working on the historic and environmental side of the project, as well as different roles within the office and out on site. The group then enjoyed a walk along Frontage 3, to see some of the current work that is happening through the viewing windows in our hoardings. The students were really engaged, and a great time was had by all.
Over at our New Wear Footbridge project, being delivered for Sunderland City Council, we hosted pupils from the Beacon of Light School, giving them an exclusive look at Sunderland’s new 250m long footbridge. During the site tour the group was accompanied by Tyler Howarth, Sub Agent, who answered all the questions the students had about the project, the team then delivered an interactive career talk. The talk covered careers in construction and the key skills associated with each role, during the talk one of the students told our team that he wants to be “just like Darren”, our Works Manager on the project, it is great to see how initiatives like Open Doors can inspire young people.
And lastly, we welcomed students from Matthew Moss High School to Phase 1b of our Rochdale and Littleborough FRMS which we’re delivering for the Environment Agency. Patrick Meese, Site Engineer, led a presentation about the project and the many different roles needed for a FRMS. Following this, members of the site team from Apprentice Quantity Surveyors to Senior Site Engineers, talked to the students about their career journeys, skills and qualifications needed for their roles, how they got into construction, advice for students that are thinking of entering the industry and finished the session with a Q&A. The students then got the opportunity to see the site from a viewing area.
We have received some great feedback from students and parents about our Open Doors sessions and have even had some enquires from students about possible opportunities after they leave school.
