Project · Organisation-wide · Founding initiative
The project that led to the creation of Northumbria Construct.
Project overview
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.
Key activities
- Research and stakeholder surveys
- Industry interviews and professional storytelling
- Educational seminars and outreach activities
- University, institution and industry collaboration
- Innovative stakeholder engagement approaches
- Transition planning for long-term sustainability
Project outcomes
- Better understanding of engagement challenges
- Evidence-based recommendations
- Innovative engagement frameworks
- A sustainable programme of professional engagement
- Demonstrated benefit realisation through transition
