The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has opened the doors of a unique on-site training experience that allows students to bring construction theory to life. 

At an open day which took place on CITB’s Bircham Newton site yesterday, the Constructionarium facility was showcased.

The training course site provides one week of ‘hands on’ experience for students from universities, FE colleges and UTCs, who construct scaled down versions of iconic buildings from around the world. 

Constructionarium gives students the chance to get a flavour of what’s involved in working on major construction projects such as The Gherkin, Barcelona Tower or Naples Airport Canopy Roof.

The initiative, which was set up in 2002, aims to link academic learning with industry and help students apply the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom in a practical and safe way. 

There are 14 major projects included in the programme. The newest project, which will be trialled this summer, is Canary Wharf Station. Over 1,000 participants from 22 institutions will train this year at the Constructionarium.

Speaking at the event Nick Raynsford, President of Constructionarium, said: “This splendid site provides a great opportunity for construction and built environment students from the UK and overseas to gain hands on experience on a fantastic array of exciting and innovative projects.”

Alex Birks, CITB’s Head of Strategic Training, said: “We are delighted to continue to support Constructionarium. It provides a wonderful and exciting opportunity for built environment students to get to grips with some of the complexities and challenges on major projects.

“Far too often graduates’ first experience of site work only happens when they get a job, so Constructionarium is a really valuable learning experience for them.

“It’s also important for employers as it’s another way to help prepare these graduates for the world of work.”