Local students lay the foundations for future careers after Waterside visit

Northamptonshire school students got the chance to quiz engineers and building professionals about careers in construction during a tour of the University of Northampton’s new Waterside campus last week.

Students from Weavers Academy at the Waterside Campus construction site, organised by the Pathways Team and construction firm Bowmer and Kirkland.

Year 10 students from Weavers Academy visited Waterside, at the moment a £350m working construction site, to explore jobs and careers from architect to engineer, quantity surveyor to logistics and joiner to project manager as a way to raise job aspirations.

“Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to the Engine Shed we go”. This Grade II listed, former railway engine shed will serve as the Students’ Union when Waterside opens.

The walking tour of the site was led by the University’s Pathways team and Bowmer & Kirkland, who manage the Waterside development.

Weavers Academy students inside the Engine Shed during their Waterside visit.

Jolen Grantham, Attitudes and Attendance Leader at Weavers Academy, said: “The scale of the new Waterside campus development is phenomenal and this tour was a fantastic real life experience for our students.

“It clearly had the desired effect as they all enjoyed the day, with six of our students saying they were interested in construction careers because of it. Many thanks to the Pathways team for organising this.”

If you are interested in studying at the University of Northampton, register for our next Open Day, Saturday 13 January.