The Open Doors event is a great way for students to see a live site and find out about career options in the construction industry. Each three-hour session at the Tame Valley Viaduct included an introduction to VolkerFitzpatrick and a brief overview of the project. This was aided by the use of a 3D flythrough video to show the works in detail.

The next part of the session enabled the students and their teachers to visit the north part of the site. They were also given a talk from one of our supply chain partners Mine Rescue Service Limited (MRSL) who provide rescue services due to the works being in a confined space.

The students then had the chance to use a mock-up unit on-site which simulates the confined space our operatives are working in, they were able to appreciate the restricted space in which the work is required to be carried out first-hand. The final part of the session focused on a career discussion with various employees from VolkerFitzpatrick and Arcadis.

Mozz Baker, Walsall College commented: “Thanks so much for hosting us for the two visits, we thoroughly enjoyed the visit and the excellent service you provided for our learners to see a civil engineering project up close. The confined spaces aspects were particularly interesting, and the careers insight was well received too.”

AB Tariq, Aston University Engineering Academy commented: “just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and the team at VolkerFitzpatrick! The students enjoyed themselves and appreciated everything you have done as well as answering the students’ questions.”

In total, sixteen volunteers gave up their time to support the Tame Valley sessions and we would like to thank the project team for supporting the event, as well Arcadis and MRSL. 

For more information about Open Doors, click here.

To learn about VolkerFitzpatrick’s early careers opportunities, click here.