Constructionarium helps engineering students to develop critical skills in nuclear infrastructure
Posted: 30th June 2025
A group of engineering and construction students from the University of East London have this week gained skills critical for the future development of nuclear infrastructure. Backed by funding from The Nuclear Industry Benevolent Fund, the students constructed a scaled replica of a nuclear power station called Nuclear Island - mirroring the complex safety, logistical, and sequencing demands found in projects like the upcoming Sizewell C nuclear power station.
Julia Stevens, Chief
Executive of Constructionarium, said:
“With Government’s recent
announcement about investment to build the new Sizewell C nuclear plant in
Suffolk and national focus sharpening on energy security and low-carbon
generation, Constructionarium is helping to address the skills shortage by
equipping students and early careers employees with the skills they need to
become our future infrastructure professionals. Our immersive approach and the
scale of our projects creates a learning environment that is truly unique in
the world.”
Ian Lemon, University of
East London academic, added:
“I have been bringing students
here for the past 15 years undertaking various projects from
Constructionarium’s portfolio. Its offering to academia and student learning is
unrivalled. What a fabulous opportunity these students have had this week. On
top of the practical learning and employability skills they’ve developed,
they’ve also gained crucial awareness of the career opportunities within the
nuclear and infrastructure sectors and can see how they can play their part in
solving the energy crisis.”
During the same week, students from the University of Reading completed a scaled replica of Barcelona Tower, exploring the architectural and engineering challenges of complex vertical construction in a high-pressure, real-time setting.
Both teams were given just five days on site to deliver their projects to a “Client” gaining technical insight, building practical skills, and working collaboratively in a site-simulator environment.
Constructionarium is a not-for-profit organisation that receives no government or government agency funding, yet welcomes around 1,000 learners annually. Over its 22-year history, more than 14,000 students - including international institutions - have taken part in its hands-on programmes. Constructionarium is an integral part of many UK built environment courses at both FE and HE, and plays a vital role in helping individuals gain the experience and confidence they need to enter the construction and infrastructure industries vis its bespoke site -simulator facility in Norfolk.
Share this story:
Contact us:
Telephone: 020 7399 7400
Email: enquiries@cic.org.uk
Read more:
- CIC commits to Conflict Avoidance Pledge to Champion Collaborative Working in the Built Environment
- RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
- "Change is coming” RIBA Presidential Taskforce meets to tackle unhealthy work culture in architectural practices
- The Institution of Structural Engineers announces its 2025 Gold Medallist
- Government Announces Move of Building Safety Regulator to New Executive Agency