Nottingham College welcomed a wide range of industry partners at Basford Campus today for a vibrant Meet the Employer event, designed to give construction students first-hand insight into the opportunities available in the sector.
Organised by Careers Advisor Kelly Green, the event brought together leading employers, hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities to inspire students as they consider their next steps.
Today is for our students to broaden their horizons and open up the wide amount of opportunities for employment in construction.
Some students won’t be aware of what is possible for their career within construction. Events like this allow us to showcase our partnerships with employers and educate our students on what’s in store for them after college.
Kelly Green, Careers Advisor at Nottingham College
The Construction Skills centre was filled with energy as students engaged directly with employers from across the construction industry. Attendees included British Gypsum Saint Gobain, DeWalt, Milwaukee, John A. Stephens, Howdens, Johns of Nottingham, Miller Knight, Magnet Kitchens and many more.
Representatives praised the warm welcome and organisation of the event, as well as the enthusiasm of students.
Rhys Heal, Area Business Development Manager at Magnet Kitchens, said:
“From the minute we arrive, we were welcomed and helped. We had people over helping us set up tables, chairs and the gazebo. The support is amazing.”
He also highlighted the importance of supporting future talent:
“From our perspective, we are here today to support the next generation of bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and plasterers who are going to be working in the market over the next few years. We want to support that journey.”
Charlie Ween, Operations Director at Johns of Nottingham, echoed the value of the event:
“Days like today are important to engage with people looking for opportunities and raise awareness within the construction industry.”
He added:
“For me, it’s important to show that you don’t have to go to university, there are other options. Get an apprenticeship, get paid for learning.”
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to watch product demonstrations and take part in fun games and challenges hosted by employers. Many stands also offered giveaways, creating an engaging and interactive environment. The event aimed not only to inform but to inspire, helping students build confidence and develop a clearer understanding of what their future careers could look like.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of Student of the Year awards, recognising outstanding achievement and dedication.
Students of the Year
I was very shocked to win, I wasn’t expecting it. Thank you to DeWalt and Magnet for the prizes.
Mason Stammers, Carpentry and Joinery Student of the Year
I’ve had a good year, and I’m happy to have received this award. I want to say thank you to DeWalt for their support and this prize.
Thomas Askew, Plumbing Student of the Year
Another standout feature of the event was the plant sale stand hosted by SEND students from The Gateway. Students worked hard in preparation for the event, growing and organising a selection of plants to sell on the day. Their stand attracted plenty of attention from visitors, giving them valuable experience in customer interaction, teamwork and enterprise skills. Their dedication and professionalism throughout the event demonstrated the inclusive and supportive environment at Nottingham College, and highlighted the important role that all students play in campus life.
The Meet the Employer event reinforced Nottingham College’s commitment to connecting students with industry, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in construction careers. By bringing employers directly onto campus, students were able to explore real opportunities, gain advice from professionals and begin building networks that could shape their future pathways.
Gallery
If you are interested in exploring a career within construction, we have a wide catalogue of courses available. Visit our course pages for more info: