Speakers provided a snapshot of Constructionarium’s 2013/14 programme, which saw 738 students (from 20 universities, four UTCs, one FE College and the Arkwright Trust) undertake more than forty projects at its site at the National Construction College at Bircham Newton.

At its Blackridge site in Scotland almost 200 students tackled a further 19 projects.

This year saw two UK universities participate for the first time (Brunel and Reading), three universities from America, the first FE college and the launch of a new project, Build Camp, developed for pre-university students.

The Constructionarium project model brings together an academic institution, a contractor and a consultant, who work together to deliver a learning experience that combines the academic perspective with professional design considerations and practical site delivery. Projects are delivered as a 6-day working field course.

Hosted by Constructionarium president Nick Raynsford MP and chairman Stef Stefanou, the event heard from Dr Cornelia Doerich-Stavridis on how Abertay University became involved and why the university has built Constructionarium into its course curriculum, and from City College Norwich lecturer James Johnston on being the first FE college to attend and its planned return next year. Four students also shared their experiences.

For more details of Constructionarium contact Robin Holdsworth on 01276 38444 or Julia Stevens on 07950 686 596.