Local residents enjoy site tours of Ely Southern Bypass
On 28 March, members of the local community took the opportunity to visit Ely Southern Bypass, as part of Open Doors 2017.
Visitors enjoyed a presentation, which gave them an insider’s look at the site and plans for development between now and summer 2018. Members of the VolkerFitzpatrick project team answered questions and discussed the opportunities available to young people looking to work in the industry.
The group then boarded a minibus, which took them on a tour of the site, showing them where the new bypass and associated structures will be positioned. The minibus paused at intervals throughout the journey for more detailed Q&As with the project team.
After the tour, younger members of the group stayed behind to discuss different career paths available to them and potential routes into the industry. They were also provided with a ‘takeaway’ sheet with helpful links to industry career websites and VolkerWessels UK’s own careers portal.
Visitors described the event as “informative”, an “excellent opportunity” and thanked the project team for their “excellent site tour” and expertise. One younger member of the group, who is currently considering a career in construction, commented: “the visit has increased my interest in civil engineering”.
Ben Joyce, Ely Southern Bypass project manager for VolkerFitzpatrick, said: “We have really enjoyed taking part in Open Doors 2017 and having the opportunity to discuss this project with members of the local community, including some potential future engineers. We had a great turnout and the tours were received with interest and enthusiasm. The bypass is an important development for the residents of Ely, so it was good to hear their thoughts and keep them informed about the works.”
Open Doors 2017 is delivered by Build UK in partnership with CITB and provides young people with behind the scenes access to some of the most prestigious construction projects across the UK.
To find out more about Open Doors 2017 and book a site visit, please go to: www.opendoors.construction.