Northstar 240 Students Discover Construction Careers with Overbury

Students from Northstar 240 recently had an exciting and informative visit to an office fitout site with Overbury, gaining valuable insights into the construction industry and exploring the roles involved in office fit-out and refurbishment. This session formed part of a programme of experiences of the workplace being offered to Northstar learners funded by West of England Combined Authority.  

This visit, held during National Apprenticeship Week, offered an excellent opportunity for students to learn about apprenticeship programmes and the various career paths into the industry, from hands-on training to achieving professional qualifications. The personal stories shared by Overbury staff, particularly about how a two-week work experience opportunity led to long-term careers, were especially impactful.

The students began their experience with an engaging and interactive site tour. Guided by experienced Overbury professionals, students were shown the day-to-day operations of the site, learning about the vital roles of different tradespeople and how each contribution ensures a project’s success. The students were tasked with reading the floor plan to navigate the site, and were introduced to a range of construction disciplines, hearing from both Overbury staff and contractors. Northstar 240 teachers noted that “seeing real-life activity” was one of the most valuable aspects of the visit. 

The hands-on activities were a major highlight of the visit. Overbury staff observed that during the tasks the students “showed a keen interest in construction”. The first task was to correctly wire a plug, giving students a glimpse into the skills required for electrical work. They also had a practical introduction to plumbing as they tackled pipework tasks. These activities were designed to show the students that construction involves a wide range of skills, problem-solving, and technical knowledge. 

 

The students also participated in problem-solving challenges that got them thinking outside the box and highlighted the diverse approaches needed in office fitouts. These challenges encouraged teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity—key skills needed in the construction industry. To round off the visit, the students spent time understanding site plans, learning how construction teams read blueprints and coordinate their efforts to bring a project to life.

The visit was an invaluable opportunity for Northstar 240 students to broaden their knowledge, with one student commenting that it was great to “learn that there are lots of jobs”. A big thank you to Overbury for providing these students with the chance to explore career paths in construction and uncover the exciting and rewarding opportunities the industry has to offer