Sir Robert McAlpine Limited

10/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2024 01:34

Supporting construction skills in West Cumbria

We have been using a 13m cable stay bridge, one of only a handful available in the country, to teach West Cumbrian students practical civil engineering skills.

We are working with local education and community partners, using the bridge to promote STEM skills and career opportunities in construction.

Claire Louise Chapman, Social Impact Lead, Sir Robert McAlpine, said:

"This is such an unusual resource, and it's fantastic that we have it in West Cumbria to raise awareness of construction skills. Students building the bridge think about project management, health and safety, quality, as well as getting hands on with construction. It's good fun, gets students thinking about construction and, we hope, will ultimately motivate more people from diverse backgrounds into our sector."

Lakes College is hosting the bridge while it is in West Cumbria. At 13 metres long, it needs a big space, and was first used at the Lakes College Festival of Work in July, where groups of school students built the bridge, learning about the diversity of skills and careers needed in civil engineering. The College then used the bridge to promote student recruitment into construction training as part of their Skills Development Week for the Extended Certificate in Construction Skills.