Construction T Level students built up their careers knowledge during a visit to Sheffield Hallam University — and also won a practical building challenge.

Learners on the Construction Built Environment T Level programme discovered how it awards UCAS points that can be used to consider university as the next step in their career journey.

After a masterclass with the Department of Natural and Built Environment, students were given a project brief to design and build student accommodation, based on the university’s real plans to develop accommodation throughout 2024.

They worked in three teams, incorporating the disciplines that can be studied at university, such as architect, quantity surveyor, building surveyor, engineer, architect, and construction manager.

Their model buildings had to stand up to snow on a glass roof top as well as seismic activity.

The scale-model builds were reviewed on green tax materials, an estimate of cost versus reality, affordability, value of asset, teamwork, timekeeping, and structural testing.

The winning team consisted of Martha Constantinou, Sophie Stevenson, Oliver Greenhalph and Paul Parker.

Martha said: “I enjoyed working in a different environment and having industry professionals helping us. Working to a timescale put pressure on us to get the task completed, so I took on a leadership role and organised the project.

“The activity we did was realistic, and it enabled me to get more of an understanding on how the industry works. It was good to see female role models at Sheffield Hallam, which inspired us to set high goals for ourselves.”

The college’s employability and careers manager, Maxine Buttery, added: “The students gained so much from the visit. It helped them to consider their next careers steps and what continued higher-level study would involve. They got a feel for the university campus and met lecturers, who shared their industry expertise.

“Everyone said it was a great day and that it opened their eyes to university options they hadn’t previously considered.”

Carpentry, joinery and professional studies teacher Jordan Harrison, who accompanied students on the visit, said: “Some of the learners, who were previously anxious about going to university, have had a complete change of heart.”

The winning team — Martha Constantinou, Sophie Stevenson, Oliver Greenhalph and Paul Parker.