Supporting the Next Generation of Civil Engineering Talent at Derby College
Danaher & Walsh Civil Engineering proudly supported a T Level project at Derby College, helping students gain real-world insight into the construction and infrastructure sector. The industry-led programme brought Derby College, G F Tomlinson, Greenhatch Group Ltd and Danaher & Walsh together to show students how civil engineering projects move from early ideas to final proposals.
As part of the project, Mark Hedges, Joanne Pigram, Sarah Swindin and Sue Southam represented Danaher & Walsh. Together, they helped students explore the roles, skills and teamwork needed within a professional construction environment.
A Practical Introduction to Construction
The three-week project gave students a practical introduction to the way construction businesses work.
Throughout the programme, students explored the key stages of a live construction bid. They looked at early concept development, programme planning, cost management, health and safety, environmental impact and social value.
In addition, the project helped students understand how different construction disciplines work together. This gave them a clearer view of the teamwork needed to deliver successful infrastructure projects.
Working Like a Real Construction Business
As part of the project, students worked in small teams and acted as their own construction companies.
Each team created a company name, logo and organisational ethos. They also allocated professional roles, including Civil Engineer, Quantity Surveyor, Bid Manager and Social Value Manager.
The teams then developed proposals to repurpose an external open space at Derby College’s Roundhouse campus. To support their ideas, they reviewed site survey information and used real survey data.
They also produced outline designs, programmes and budgets. Alongside this, they considered risk, safety, environmental impact and social value.
This approach gave students a realistic experience of construction project planning. As a result, they developed their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
Presenting to an Industry Panel
The programme ended on Friday, 30 January with a final presentation day.
Each team presented its proposal in a Dragons’ Den-style format to a panel of industry representatives. During the presentations, students explained their ideas, justified design and cost decisions, and answered questions from the panel.
This format reflected the type of client and stakeholder engagement that takes place on real construction projects.
At the end of the session, the panel selected a winning team. However, every group showed enthusiasm, professionalism and growing confidence throughout the day.
Supporting Future Careers in Civil Engineering
Danaher & Walsh values opportunities that help young people explore careers in civil engineering and construction.
Therefore, we were proud to support this project alongside G F Tomlinson and Greenhatch Group Ltd. Through our partnership with Derby College, students gained valuable exposure to real construction practices and industry expectations.
Most importantly, the programme showed the value of collaboration between education and industry. It helped students build skills, improve confidence and understand the career pathways available within civil engineering.n.
Thank you for your support with the Employer Led Projects over the past three weeks with our T-Level Year 1 students. The opportunity for learners to gain real insight, practical skills and hands-on experience across a range of disciplines is invaluable. It plays a key role in helping them make informed decisions about industry placements and their next steps after college.
Thank you again for your time, commitment and continued support.
Warmest Regards’
Billy Stafford
Work Experience and Progression Mentor
