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Building bridges: Princess Anne meets UEL staff and students at Construction Future Skills 2009

Wednesday 10 June 2009

HRH Princess Anne at the Construction Future Skills 2009 training event

Staff and students from the highly-rated civil engineering and surveying field at the University of East London (UEL) were presented to HRH Princess Anne at the Construction Future Skills 2009 training event on Wednesday 8 June.

The UEL team offered support and careers progression advice at the event which took place at Construction College in East London. HRH Princess Anne visited the college and was interested in UEL’s involvement at the College and viewing ongoing projects.

The UEL group helped over thirty people interested in careers in the construction industry by advising them on the surveying aspects of the task they were set.

The participants’ brief was to build a bridge as part of a team, taking on responsibilities such as planning, budgeting and managing the build as well as getting involved with the physical labour of the project.

Dr Brian Whiting, Leader in Surveying at UEL said: “I’m delighted that our students and staff are able to offer professional advice and support for those needing it in these difficult times. The project is designed to give people a realistic overview of what it’s like to work in the construction industry and I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to offer an insight into that.”

Other colleges from the Five Olympic Host Boroughs also provided support. The event was targeting those who are unemployed, in education or training as well as college and sixth form students who have an interest in working within the construction sector.

Construction Future Skills 2009 is a two day programme during which participants have an opportunity to develop skills and gain hands on experience within the field of construction and the built environment.

Several major construction companies were present and offered work experience and placement opportunities to students who demonstrated a good potential for working within the industry. 

Construction Future Skills 2009 is a two day programme hosted by Podium Skills London, during which participants have an opportunity to develop skills and gain hands on experience within the field of construction and the built environment.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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