Engineers of the future learn new skills on STEM Connect Programme site visit

Thirty-one fourth-year degree apprentices enrolled onto the Civil and Infrastructure Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (CEDA) programme at the University of Warwick were given a guided tour of the STEM Connect construction site on Lord Bhattacharyya Way by representatives from the enabling works contractor O’Brien Contractors.

The students learned first-hand about the rerouting of services, construction of retaining walls and foundations and the stabilising of soil.

Dr Nikolaos Reppas, Assistant Professor in Civil / Geotechnical Engineering, was among the academics who oversaw the site visit.

Dr Reppas said: “It was great for the students to visualise a lot of what they have learned in the classroom. They were able to gain a real sense of the scale of enabling works involved in a project of this kind.

“They were able to see the journey in practice and better understand how construction projects develop from beginning to the end. There’s a certain irony in the fact the students were able to get such insight from a project that will actually deliver state-of-the-art facilities in STEM, with the aim to better equip engineers of the future.

“Site visits like this are important because they enable students to move away from the world of software and computers and actually witness engineering processes in real-world application.”

Members of The University of Warwick’s Estates Team were also present, alongside representatives from project management consultancy, Mace, and multidisciplinary designers BDP, who provided an overview of the buildings that will come to fruition.

Dr Elia Gironacci, Associate Professor and Director of Studies, Civil and Environmental Engineering, stressed the universal benefit of the visit.

He said: “It gave the whole cohort an idea of what a major civil engineering project looks like and the technical challenges that can be posed.

“What’s being built is an opportunity for a significant step forward for our teaching and research capabilities. The STEM Connect Programme will create collaborative environments, design studios and high-tech spaces that will only strengthen the University’s standing as a global centre of excellence for science-related research, innovation and education.”

The STEM Connect Programme forms part of the University of Warwick’s wider Connect Programme – an ambitious long-term initiative to strengthen collaboration between researchers, students and partners to further grow innovative thinking and foster interdisciplinary working. This project aims to connect people, ideas and industries, helping to solve real-world challenges and equip graduates with the skills to thrive.

Kier Construction, lead contractor of the STEM Connect Programme, is due to commence construction for Phase 1 of the project when all enabling works have been completed later this year.

To find out more about the STEM Connect Programme, visit https://warwick.ac.uk/about/strategy/connect/stem/