Employers connect with 600 construction students at Bright Futures Live
24th October 2025
More than 40 employers forged links with construction students from City College Norwich on Wednesday, 22nd October at an event to connect young people with work placement and apprenticeship opportunities in the industry.
Bright Futures Live, organised by Construction East, Norfolk Constructing Excellence Club, and City College Norwich, enabled hundreds of face-to-face conversations to take place between students and employers.
With so many employers coming together, students were able to find out about a diverse range of opportunities - spanning architecture, civil engineering, structural engineering, groundworks, property development, project management, quantity surveying, electrical installation, scaffolding, bricklaying and much more.
The two floors of the college’s Construction Skills Hub, which is normally used for teaching plumbing and electrical skills, was transformed into a thriving exhibition space for the event which was attended by around 600 students.
Each student provided a short biography ahead of the event, including specific areas of work they are interested in, to make it as easy as possible to match them with suitable opportunities.
The idea for the event was borne out of the requirement for students on the T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction to complete at least 315 hours on a work placement.
The college’s construction department recognised that the opportunity to meet directly with employers would be beneficial for all its students and so – with the help of Construction East and Norfolk Constructing Excellence Club – the event developed into something much bigger.
In addition to talking to employers, students were given the chance to get hands-on with bricklaying, thanks to East Anglia Brickwork, and to put on VR headsets to see how virtual reality has become a valuable project management tool in the industry.
Students also gained insights into different aspects of the industry through a series of employer talks – covering bricklaying, quantity surveying, what it’s like to be a construction apprentice, Scott Taylor’s career journey from apprentice carpenter to business owner, and mental health and wellbeing at work.
Catering was provided by the college’s Hospitality Enterprise students, part of Inclusive Learning, whose buffet was a welcome opportunity to refuel during a busy day for the exhibitors.
Tim Boucher, Chair of Norfolk Constructing Excellence Club (NCEC), commented:
“It was fantastic to see so much energy and enthusiasm at Bright Futures Live. The event perfectly demonstrated how collaboration between education and industry can open doors for the next generation of construction professionals in our region.
“The level of engagement from both students and employers was outstanding and it’s exactly the kind of initiative that helps bridge the skills gap and showcases the incredible range of careers available across our sector.
“Norfolk Constructing Excellence Club was proud to be part of such a positive and inspiring day.”
Rob Panter, Chair of Construction East, said:
“Construction East is a Registered Charity, with the purpose of promoting and developing the many careers in construction. We have collaborated closely with City College Norwich and remain hugely committed to the many opportunities that they offer in construction.
“The Trustees were delighted to join Norfolk Constructing Excellence Club and many construction firms, in promoting careers in construction and the offer at City College Norwich. To see so many enthusiastic students was a real testament to the college, and their commitment to the industry.
“We are developing a programme of lecturing support, liaising with industry experts to provide a resource that will offer the students a unique experience. Bright Futures Live was such a successful event, our objectives have become stronger.”
