Construction Students' Unique Access to Olympic Stadium Site

Students on City College Norwich’s Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Construction got a unique chance to visit the London 2012 Olympic Stadium last week. The students were given privileged access to visit the stadium site which will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as all the track and field events.

Representatives from the stadium’s lead contractor, MacAlpine, met with students to explain the design of the 80,000 seat stadium and how the project has been progressing. This was a unique opportunity for students to gain an insight into the work that goes into managing a construction site of this size and complexity. They met with the contractors to hear about the design of the stadium from the early stages, the problems that have been encountered and how they have been overcome.

The trip allowed the students to see the types of projects they could possibly work on in the future and gave them the chance to meet people who have progressed through similar studies to work in this area. The landmark stadium incorporates a number of sustainable and environmentally friendly design features. After the games the top tiers will be dismantled, leaving a smaller 25,000 seat stadium for use in the future. The stadium is also being designed to be highly accessible, with excellent facilities for people with disabilities.