South Bank Colleges recently welcomed Elliot Shaw, Social Value Advisor at the major construction firm Morgan Sindall, for an engaging and informative session with SBC's construction students at the Nine Elms campus. The visit provided an inspiring glimpse into the diverse career pathways available in the construction industry and showcased the importance of sustainable and innovative practices.
Skills and Trades: Endless Opportunities in Construction
Elliot began the session by highlighting the wide range of skills and trades that students can develop at Morgan Sindall, whether through site-based or office-based roles. From site and project management to engineering, HR, marketing, and social value initiatives, the company offers comprehensive apprenticeship and trainee programmes. These schemes allow participants to "earn while they learn," combining paid work with academic qualifications to ensure a well-rounded career foundation.
He emphasised that construction is far more than "hard hats and hammers." Students were encouraged to think about the many facets of the industry, from quantity surveying and design management to sustainability and pre-construction planning. With Morgan Sindall's commitment to nurturing future talent, apprentices benefit from hands-on experience, expert mentorship, and opportunities to work on real-life projects that shape communities.
Showcasing Local Projects
Elliot also shared insights into some of Morgan Sindall's high-profile local projects, including the construction of primary schools, healthcare institutes, and community hubs. These projects exemplify the firm's focus on sustainability, innovation, and meeting the needs of diverse communities.
For instance, one project detailed the creation of a 6,000m² primary school and community centre featuring rooftop photovoltaic panels, a climbing wall, and sports facilities. Another highlighted the London Institute for Healthcare Engineering, a state-of-the-art building completed for King's College London. These examples illustrated how Morgan Sindall integrates functionality, sustainability, and community engagement into its developments.
Bringing Construction to Life: A Hands-On Workshop
The session concluded with an interactive workshop based on an actual case study. London South Bank Technical College students worked in teams to brainstorm and design concepts for a learning pavilion, incorporating key features such as sustainability and functionality. This exercise allowed participants to apply their knowledge creatively while considering the needs of potential users.
Through this workshop, students experienced the challenges and rewards of the construction process firsthand, from brainstorming initial ideas to presenting their final designs.
Supporting Future Talent
A big thank-you to Morgan Sindall for being so committed to supporting SBC's students at every stage of their career journey. In addition to apprenticeship programmes, the company provides site tours, career fair participation, and hands-on workshops to help SBC's young people explore their interests and find their path in the industry.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Elliot Shaw’s visit demonstrated the exciting opportunities available in construction and how Morgan Sindall plays a pivotal role in developing future talent. By sharing real-world insights and providing practical experiences, the session inspired South Bank Colleges’ students to consider how they, too, can contribute to shaping the built environment and driving positive change in their communities.
