Future experts in the making: USW helps inspire pupils with Built Environment Taster Day

Hundreds of school pupils have attended a special event at the University of South Wales (USW) to learn all about built environment.

As part of the Taster Day, pupils from across the region were able to get involved in hands-on experiences focused on the subject - including a measurement competition, ‘build a town’ activity, a building surveying demo, and learning about valuation.

There was also an employer exhibition area, which included advice from experts at Careers Wales, USW and Network 75 – which manages degree apprenticeship opportunities at the University - the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the Engineering Education Scheme Wales (EESW).

Representatives of Construction company BAM – which is building a new hi-tech dedicated Computing, Technology and Engineering building on the University’s Treforest Campus called Calon – also shared a flythrough video of the new facility, while those at the event got to take a close-up look at the building under construction.

USW students Ffion Ransom and Sadie Enoch, who are both studying Real Estate, and Leo Marsh and Steffan David, who are both studying Quantity Surveying, were also on hand to share their experience of University life.

Organised and chaired by Sian Cornwell-Shaw, who is a senior property surveyor at the NHS Shared Services Partnership Specialist Estates Services and a RICS STEM Inspire Ambassador, said: “The event was designed to give the pupils an understanding of built environment and the careers that are available in the sector.

 “There’s an obvious talent pool in this part of Wales and we’re keen to let them know what options there are to make a career in built environment, especially with a dearth of surveyors filling vacant positions and with the large number of qualified surveyors due to retire in the next five to 10 years.

“The event was about showing students different areas involved in surveying – such as measuring, valuing, and building things, and using drones and other types of technology to give them a flavour of what It’s all about.

“Being in a University setting also offered them a look at what higher education is all about, and showed that it’s not just about being in a lecture, but experiencing the practical and interactive sides of learning that USW’s courses offer.”

Shane Galvin of USW added: “It’s great to give the pupils from the local schools the chance to come to USW and sample a range of career opportunities in the built environment sector.

“The activities they did on the day gave them a better idea of what the work in those careers could be like, and to meet people who are already working in that sector so they can get a first-hand understanding of what skills are needed by built environment practitioners.”

Graham Craven, RICS Wales Regional Engagement Manager, said: “it was great to be part of such a fantastic event. Credit to Sian for organising the day and to those who were directly involved in delivering the activities in such an engaging way.

“We often talk about how to attract future talent into the surveying profession and couldn’t wish for a better example than this.”