Willmott Dixon and Morgan Sindall Construction have joined teamed up as part of their commitment with SCAPE and Procure Partnerships to offer final-year university students invaluable support through a mentor programme that helps prepare them for the world of work.
Through the STEER programme, undergraduates at Nottingham Trent University visited two live sites in Bingham, Nottingham, to gain a greater understanding of the construction process and the diverse career opportunities available outside of the classroom.
Bingham Primary School, procured through SCAPE Construction – a direct award framework designed to drive collaboration, efficiency time and cost savings, is being built by Morgan Sindall Construction and designed and project managed by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, while Bingham Arena and Enterprise Centre is being constructed by Willmott Dixon for Rushcliffe Borough Council through the Procure Partnerships framework.
STEER Support & Mentoring CIC was founded in 2016 due to a lack of support in the built environment for undergraduates transitioning from education to industry. The programme seeks to ensure final-year students from all backgrounds are confident, connected, and feel part of the sector’s community so they can forge fulfilling careers and contribute to a sustainable future.
The students are matched with professional mentors who have similar interests and through one-to-one sessions, mentees can discuss their CVs, potential jobs, networking opportunities and work experience. Crucially, mentors are selected from underrepresented groups in the industry, such as women, minority ethnic people, those with disabilities and the LGBT+ community.
Josie Rothera, one of the directors at STEER and a chartered civil engineer, said: "Leaving university and entering the world of work is a huge change. With the built environment offering a diverse range of careers, approaching graduation can be a daunting time when you don’t know what you want to do.
"STEER seeks to improve students' understanding of the industry and give them a better idea of what they want to do based on their interests. Coming from under-represented groups, our mentors are able to offer relatable advice based on their personal experience, but ultimately it’s the students who take the initiative and self-responsibility to act on this and open doors for themselves."
Nick Heath, director, from Willmott Dixon, said: "Experiences like this no doubt leave a lasting impression on those involved and serve to break down the barriers that might prevent a young person from considering a career in construction. Of particular interest at Bingham Arena and Enterprise Centre was its sustainability credentials – this really captured the imagination of pupils, who are undoubtedly already very enthusiastic about this in their studies. We were delighted to come together with Morgan Sindall Construction on this programme to really showcase the sheer variety of opportunities available in the sector and enrich their education."
Construction News
17/05/2022
Willmott Dixon Partners With Morgan Sindall Construction


08/07/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction has announced the successful completion of the main building phase for the King Henry VIII 3-19 School redevelopment in Abergavenny, a transformative £62.5 million project delivered via the SEWSCAP framework. A celebration was held to mark the handover of the new building

08/07/2025
The government has today confirmed funding for over 50 road and rail infrastructure upgrades. These projects, which include long-awaited schemes such as the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route and the Portishead to Bristol city centre rail line, are anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the con

08/07/2025
The shortlist for the 2025 Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards has been unveiled by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to champion the significant contributions of women across the industry, aiming to make female role

08/07/2025
Watts Group, a prominent property and construction consultancy, has today published the 30th edition of its widely respected 'Watts Pocket Handbook', marking nearly a decade since its previous release.
Recognised as a vital resource for professionals across the built environment, this latest editi

08/07/2025
A team of staff from Leeds College of Building (LCB) recently made their debut at 'The Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025'. The annual event, held on Friday, 27 June 2025, at Newark Showground, serves as a key platform to promote the crucial importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion (E

08/07/2025
Dan McGrail has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer of Great British Energy, the UK's publicly-owned clean power company.
His appointment aims to accelerate the government's Plan for Change, with a core mission to establish the UK as a clean energy superpower. Mr McG

08/07/2025
Understanding Custom Rubber Diaphragms
Custom rubber diaphragms are essential components in various industrial applications, playing a crucial role in enhancing performance and efficiency. As a manufacturer specialising in these versatile components, we've witnessed firsthand the impact th

08/07/2025
Modular tiles are among the most popular option for flooring at the minute. These bring character and sophistication through their layout. Most frequently these are made from porcelain which makes them multifunctional and highly durable. Modular tiles are suitable for old and new properties and are

07/07/2025
Travelodge has officially broken ground on a new 100-room hotel in Loughton, marking the latest addition to the UK's first budget hotel brand's expanding portfolio.
The company, which operates more than 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, is aiming to meet growing demand for affordable ac

07/07/2025
Oldham Council has officially unveiled Snipe Gardens, a newly created green space and pedestrian gateway designed to provide a welcoming entrance into the town centre.
Situated on the site of the former Snipe Inn pub, the new landscaped area links Oldham bus station with Henshaw Street. As one of t