Bridging industry and education at Gateshead College

Northumbria Construct supported CIOB North East Tomorrow’s Leaders at Gateshead College, connecting approximately 40 students with industry professionals and university volunteers. Interactive careers discussions, the BRIC pilot and a building challenge brought career pathways, collaboration and practical learning together.

Industry participants and volunteers gathered at Gateshead College for the professional engagement day
Industry participants and volunteers at Gateshead College

Activity · Newcastle Hub

· Gateshead College, UK · Completed

Northumbria Construct supported CIOB North East Tomorrow’s Leaders in delivering a Professional Engagement Day for approximately 40 college students, connecting them with industry professionals and university volunteers.

Careers brought to life

Using the CIOB Think Construction Toolkit, the team adapted Inspiring a Career in Construction and Construction Myths vs Facts into interactive presentations and discussions. Students explored the breadth of construction roles and routes through higher education, apprenticeships and practical experience.

The day piloted BRIC — Build Routes Into Construction with its intended audience. Students built and discussed credible career pathways; practical feedback highlighted opportunities to refine gameplay and simplify instructions.

Collaboration, creativity and teamwork

Working in eight teams, students took part in the Iconic Building Challenge using spaghetti and marshmallows. Creations included the Leaning Tower of Pasta and Marshmallows and St. Greggs Basilica. The exercise encouraged communication, problem-solving and teamwork while translating ideas into physical structures.

Students and volunteers discussing career pathways around tables during the BRIC activity
Exploring career pathways together
Students working in groups during the Gateshead College professional engagement day
Collaborative learning at Gateshead College
A volunteer introducing the BRIC activity to participants at Gateshead College
Introducing the BRIC pilot

Volunteers making a difference

Northumbria Construct contributed to planning, volunteer mobilisation, stakeholder coordination and interactive activity delivery. Callum O’Connor led the volunteer team, alongside Vemula Sai Praneeth, Finn Mulholland, Aditya Shetty, Mayuri Shinde and Collins Tamunotonye.

We thank CIOB North East Tomorrow’s Leaders, Gateshead College, participating industry professionals and every volunteer. The event built on Bridge the Gap’s lessons about making professional networks, career information and participation more accessible.

Planning and delivery case study → · Explore BRIC · NorCon Projects

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