Students build nuclear island in just five days
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Published
02 July 2025
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In a bold display of teamwork, technical skill, and sheer determination, civil engineering and construction management students from the University of East London (UEL) recently completed constructing a nuclear island in just five days.
Hosted at the Constructionarium Ltd site in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, this high-pressure, real-world challenge provided students with an unforgettable, hands-on learning experience. From blueprint to build, students worked under tight deadlines to manage logistics, coordinate teams, and physically construct key elements of a nuclear island component that simulates the heart of a real nuclear power plant.
For the students involved, this wasn’t just about building concrete structures; it was about constructing confidence, leadership, and a clear vision of their future careers.
The nuclear island build replicates part of the critical infrastructure of a nuclear power station, where reactor systems and essential safety equipment are housed. It’s a technically complex challenge usually reserved for seasoned professionals. Yet, the UEL students rose to the occasion, collaborating seamlessly with industry experts and taking ownership of the project from start to finish.
“Working alongside other students and seeing the final result come to life was amazing,” said Mohammad Elzahi, a Civil Engineering student at UEL. “The experience was so immersive, and the joy of completing a real build together is immaculate!”
Practice-based learning in action
This experience is part of UEL’s wider commitment to practice-based learning, an approach that ensures students don’t just learn the theory but also apply it in real-world settings, developing the hands-on experience employers look for.
Each day on site, students participated in safety briefings, planned team tasks, consulted engineering drawings, and operated equipment. Working in conditions that mirrored the pace and pressure of industry jobs, they also gained exposure to real-time decision-making and cross-functional teamwork.
The students were mentored by technical staff from Constructionarium, gaining valuable insights from professionals with real-world experience. These interactions gave students practical exposure while reinforcing UEL’s strong industry ties and future-forward approach to engineering education.
David Tann, Dean of the School and Vice-Provost (Technology), School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering at UEL, said: “At UEL, we’re committed to equipping our students with real-world experience that sets them apart, and this project is a perfect example. It was fantastic to see our students bring such energy, creativity, and professionalism to the build. Their teamwork and determination reflect the future-facing, hands-on approach we champion across our engineering and construction programmes.”
Beyond constructing physical infrastructure, students developed soft skills that are just as vital: communication, leadership, time management, and adaptability. It’s this blend of technical know-how and human-centred skills that UEL champions in its engineering and construction management programmes.
As the final flags were raised on the nuclear island, the team celebrated not only a job well done but also the teamwork, learning, and future opportunities forged over five incredible days. With real-world experience already under their toolbelts, these future engineers and construction managers are more than ready for what comes next.
Interested in a career where you can turn blueprints into reality?
Find out how UEL’s hands-on civil engineering and construction management programmes can help you build the skills and the future you want.
