Our projects
Every initiative strengthens the relationship between academia and industry while helping participants build knowledge, networks and practical experience.
Flagship initiative
The project that led to the creation of Northumbria Construct.
Developed during the Association for Project Management (APM) Project Management Challenge, the project investigated why many students struggled to engage effectively with the construction industry despite the wealth of opportunities available through universities, employers and professional institutions.
Using structured project management methodologies, the project combined research, stakeholder engagement, industry interviews, storytelling and educational outreach to better understand the barriers preventing meaningful participation.
The findings demonstrated that the primary challenge was not the absence of opportunity, but the lack of visibility, understanding and accessibility.
Recognising that these challenges extended beyond the competition itself, the project team transformed Bridge the Gap into a continuing programme of professional engagement, leading to the establishment of Northumbria Construct.
Dialogue into action
A structured debate that turned discussion into practical recommendations and new opportunities.
“This House Believes that University Education Fails to Prepare Students for Industry.”
The project brought together participants, academics and industry professionals to examine the responsibilities of universities, individuals, employers and professional institutions in preparing graduates for professional practice.
Audience feedback and recommendations were analysed and compiled into a formal report presented to stakeholders within Northumbria University Experiential Learning Team and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Recommendations included clearer communication around opportunities and improved signposting of Personal Protective Equipment availability for construction site visits. These actions contributed to increased participation in subsequent CIOB site visits.
Create collaboration, evaluate industry readiness and produce evidence-based recommendations.
Plan the debate, collect stakeholder feedback and present findings to institutional partners.
Improved communication, better PPE signposting and increased participation in CIOB site visits.
Recommendations from the debate included clearer communication around professional opportunities and better signposting for site-visit participation. The subsequent CIOB Site Visit put those recommendations into practice by connecting Northumbria Construct participants with a live construction environment.
Facilitated through the Chartered Institute of Building, the visit provided practical exposure to project delivery, site operations and discussion with industry professionals.
International engagement
Through our activities in Nigeria, we have extended professional and educational engagement into project sites and schools.
Northumbria Construct participants gained exposure to a live project environment during a visit to the Monty Suites project.
A Northumbria Construct seminar introduced students at Royal Christian High School to construction, projects and future professional possibilities.
Our project philosophy
Together, we can
be the bridge.
We measure success through stronger relationships, wider access to opportunity and benefits that continue beyond each project.
