i-Construct is a careers fayre which focuses on the construction industry which was held at CETC and CEMAST college campuses. On 16 October, a group of Year 10 students studying Product Design attended the fayre. They were split into teams of four and briefed on a scenario that 'a new hospital has to be built in Hampshire'. Each small team was then allocated 30 minutes to interview a construction company.

Our teams interviewed construction company Morgan Sindall (https://www.morgansindall.com/), structures and civil engineering company Blanchard Wells (https://blanchardwells.co.uk/), an environment consultant Enims  (https://www.enims.co.uk/) and equipment hirer Sunbelt Rentals (https://www.sunbeltrentals.co.uk/).  After interviewing their chosen company in depth and finding out why they considered themselves suited to a major project, teams were given a short time to prepare a presentation. The teams delivered their findings on camera and to four employers from the construction industry. This task facilitated the development of skills such as teamwork, time management, open questioning and communication. It also gave them indepth knowledge of one area of the construction industry.

After they gave their presentations, students saw a robot dog and drones in action and had a play with the VR technology on a Tech Truck. They re-visited the careers fayre to speak with any employers they had not interacted with in the morning.

Lastly, we were able to spend time in the practical area, learning skills such as bricklaying, driving machinery with remote controls and trying out the 'diggers'.

The event was fun but also gave students a chance to move out of their comfort zone and interact with professionals. It also gave them an insight into the apprenticeships and other career paths available in construction.