WORK PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY- SUPERLABS

Construction is one of the largest sectors in the UK economy – with a turnover of £370 billion, contributing £138 billion in value added to the UK economy and employing 3.1 million people (9% of the total UK workforce). 

Construction is a diverse sector which offers a huge range of job opportunities and having a skilled and talented workforce is essential to the competitiveness of the construction industry. Few sectors have the same potential to provide large numbers of high-skilled, well-paid jobs and because the industry is so vital there is never a shortage of opportunity. However, with almost a fifth (17%) of those working in construction aged over 55 – the sector needs to develop a flow of new entrants into the industry to tackle skills shortages and deliver future projects.

At Seddon, we work with our education partners to provide stimulating and challenging work placements for students from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Work placements are a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to experience working in the construction industry, providing a stepping stone into longer term work and training. Gaining on-site experience demonstrates to a potential employer that learners can apply their knowledge in a practical environment, as well as developing other skills such as teamwork, reliability and communication.

Construction site visits are interactive experiences that enhance students’ understanding of real construction practices. They offer the opportunity for anyone interested in a career in the sector to find out what goes on behind the hoardings at a construction site, and to showcase the exciting range of careers available in construction.

Seddon have a long-standing relationship with University of Derby, delivering numerous projects every year, so, when a University of Derby student approached Seddon to gain experience at Superlabs, a refurbishment project located on campus, the site team gladly accepted.

Maz Kareem, a third year Architectural and Construction Management student, was given the opportunity to work on a project at his very own university. Maz joined the site team shadowing the Site Manager at Superlabs to learn different skills by familiarising with the site and the drawings. With a dedicated site team to enable Maz to reach his maximum potential throughout the placement, he has developed a proactive approach in handling quality assurance, preventing potential defects whilst optimising processes to achieve quality results.

After completing the placement, Maz plans to complete his university course to earn his bachelor’s degree, which, combined with his work placement experience, provides him the invaluable knowledge to progress in his career to make a significant contribution to the construction industry.