We have completed (our first) Open Doors 2024.
Delivered by Build UK, Open Doors gives young people (and those looking for a change of career) a unique opportunity to see construction in action and find out more about the career opportunities that the industry delivers.
The nation-wide effort gets visitors behind the scenes of construction sites across the UK, campaigning to showcase the 180 different careers in construction.
We are thrilled to have been a part of this year’s programme, opening our doors at three projects and welcoming more than 100 visitors. Our fully booked events included inspiring insights into some of the exciting projects were are currently delivering and the the people, teams and professions that make it all possible.
Swindon Health Hydro
At Swindon Health Hydro, 65 guests were welcomed with enthusiasm (at three events held over two days) from local schools and colleges, charities and other organisations, as well as members of the public, to learn about Phase 1 restoration works at the Grade II* listed site.
Thank you to Andrea and Gerry Hannon, from Friends of the Health Hydro, for joining us at all three sessions to share a captivating exploration of the site's rich history, before visitors were guided through learning zones.
The project team answered questions about the restoration works and discussed their integral roles in the project's lifecycle, from inception to completion. Our gratitude is also extended to Ruth Pritchard, our esteemed client-side project manager from Fourth Street, for her invaluable contributions and insights.
Gloucestershire College Construction Centre
Visitors from Gloucestershire College had a fantastic opportunity to engage with the project team through designated educational areas, as well as trying their hand at bricklaying on a live site, in a taster session led by our Gary Pearce, which was a huge hit!
Learning areas covered the M&E and cladding works being carried out. Thank you to Liam Kewell from Fifth Elevation who offered an engaging and practical explanation of the complex and unique cladding system being installed at the new construction centre.
Richmond upon Thames College STEM building
The team building Richmond upon Thames College’s new STEM building received visitors from Guildford College and Richmond College. For first year Richmond College students, it was a fantastic opportunity to get a first look at the new building and workshops they will be occupying in their second year.
Visitors were treated to a presentation on the project’s lifecycle from pre-construction, an insight into the people and professions involved in delivering the scheme, and the opportunity for Q&A with the tradespeople on site.
Site tours covered features of the build and learning zones on groundworks, superstructure, M&E, lifting operations, and roof works (including 590m2 of solar pv installed and a green roof to provide a habitat for wildlife) with a focus on best practice throughout.
A great big thank you to everyone behind this team effort!
JULIE WHITE
Build UK Chair
A massive thank you to our teams and project partners who went above and beyond to make our Open Doors 2024 a great success.
