A group of engineering and construction students from the University of East London have this week gained skills critical for the future development of nuclear infrastructure.

Backed by funding from The Nuclear Industry Benevolent Fund, the students constructed a scaled replica of a nuclear power station called Nuclear Island – mirroring the complex safety, logistical, and sequencing demands found in projects like the upcoming Sizewell C nuclear power station.

Julia Stevens, Chief Executive of Constructionarium, said:
“With Government’s recent announcement about investment to build the new Sizewell C nuclear plant in Suffolk and national focus sharpening on energy security and low-carbon generation, Constructionarium is helping to address the skills shortage by equipping students and early careers employees with the skills they need to become our future infrastructure professionals. Our immersive approach and the scale of our projects creates a learning environment that is truly unique in the world.”

Joe Chandler, Operations Director at Constructionarium, noted:

“We anticipate growing interest from further and higher education institutions to undertake this project. It’s clear that experiences like this can play a key role in shaping the talent pipeline for the new wave of energy supply the UK urgently needs.”

Ian Lemon, University of East London academic, added:

“I have been bringing students here for the past 15 years undertaking various projects from Constructionarium’s portfolio. Its offering to academia and student learning is unrivalled. What a fabulous opportunity these students have had this week. On top of the practical learning and employability skills they’ve developed, they’ve also gained crucial awareness of the career opportunities within the nuclear and infrastructure sectors and can see how they can play their part in solving the energy crisis.”

During the same week, students from the University of Reading completed a scaled replica of Barcelona Tower, exploring the architectural and engineering challenges of complex vertical construction in a high-pressure, real-time setting.

Both teams were given just five days on site to deliver their projects to a “Client” gaining technical insight, building practical skills, and working collaboratively in a site-simulator environment.

Constructionarium is a not-for-profit organisation that receives no government or government agency funding, yet welcomes around 1,000 learners annually. Over its 22-year history, more than 14,000 students – including international institutions – have taken part in its hands-on programmes. Constructionarium is an integral part of many UK built environment courses at both FE and HE, and plays a vital role in helping individuals gain the experience and confidence they need to enter the construction and infrastructure industries vis its bespoke site -simulator facility in Norfolk.