Last week, VolkerHighways hosted three events as part of Build UK’s Open Doors event.
On our Butterfield Park & Ride scheme in Luton, the project attracted female Engineering students in Years 9,10 and 11 from Chiltern Academy and Science students in Year 10 from Bedfordshire Academy.
The two events, led by our all‑female management team, introduced the students to our organisation, the variety of roles available within the industry, and the team’s own career journeys into construction and where they are today. We also highlighted the apprenticeship opportunities available across our business.
Students then broke into two groups to take on a hands‑on challenge of building the tallest free‑standing structure using only spaghetti and masking tape, topped with a marshmallow.
The students then had the opportunity to see the build first-hand, from a viewing area, and ask questions about the scheme as we deliver 340 new parking bays to offer a convenient alternative to driving into Luton town centre.
During one of the events, Cllr Javed Hussain, Executive Member for Highways and Sustainable Transport, spoke about the importance of projects like Butterfield and shared reflections on his own engineering background.
“Open Doors provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to discover the wide range of careers available within our diverse sector. It was inspiring to hear the children ask such thoughtful questions, see their teamwork skills in action as they built their structures, and even express interest in returning for work experience in the summer. Moments like these truly show the value of events like this.”
Cheryl Latreille Social Value Manager for VolkerHighways
Meanwhile in West Sussex, our highway maintenance team hosted a depot taster session as part of Open Doors Week, welcoming five local job seekers from the Worthing Job Centre for a three‑hour insight into our world.
The aim of the session was to give attendees a real understanding of our business, the wider industry, and the variety of careers available. We kicked things off in a classroom-style setting, where members of the team introduced our services, talked through their own roles, and answered plenty of great questions.
The group also received valuable insights into the current jobs market along with practical CV-writing tips, helping to boost their confidence as they look for new opportunities.
Afterwards, we headed out into the yard for a hands-on look at some of the tools and equipment used in our day-to-day operations. This included a demonstration of basic traffic management setups and the chance to get up close with one of our gritters.
“This is just one of multiple engagement sessions we’ve hosted with the Job Centre, as part of our ongoing commitment to helping people return to the world of work. Open Doors provides an ideal platform to showcase the opportunities available within our industry and to support individuals as they take their next steps.”
Emma Stander Social Value Coordinator for VolkerHighways
“Our customers had an excellent experience visiting the VolkerHighways depot. The team delivered an engaging presentation, hands on introduction to the construction sector, with insightful demonstrations and personalised employability support. The visit was extremely well received and has helped to inspire individuals as they consider their next steps into work.”
Worthing Job Centre
