Students at London South Bank Technical College’s Nine Elms campus had the chance to meet industry professionals and discover more about STEM careers during a science and construction-themed fair held in the main canteen area over lunchtime.
Running from 12pm to 2pm, the fair gave students the opportunity to drop in, visit employer tables and speak directly with specialists working across engineering, planning, sustainability and construction-related fields. Set in the heart of the campus during the lunch break, the event created an informal and accessible space for students to ask questions, make connections and find out more about the wide range of careers linked to their studies.
The event was organised by Breveena Sahi, whose work helped bring together a strong mix of employers and industry voices for the college’s students to meet. Her efforts created a valuable opportunity for students to engage directly with professionals and gain a clearer picture of the many career paths connected to STEM and construction.
Representatives from STEM Learning were on hand to speak with students, including Fergus Kidd, R&D Engineering Lead at Avanade UK Ltd; Andrea Fees, previously Senior Design Manager at Laing O’Rourke Plc; Bruno Guillaume, previously a Chartered Civil Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist; Luke Johnson, Thomas Hill and Vishanth Sundar, all Mechanical Design Engineers at CBS Products; and Anna Stoten, Project Coordinator at STEM Learning.
Students also had the chance to meet Julija Kiva, Planning & Growth Business Manager at Southwark Council, who represented the council’s Planning & Growth team, as well as Caroline Hudson, Social Value and Sustainability Manager at Keltbray.
The fair highlighted how broad the world of construction and STEM really is. As well as more traditional engineering and construction routes, students were able to learn about planning, environmental work, design, research and development, and sustainability-focused roles, all of which play an important part in shaping the built environment.
By bringing employers and industry professionals directly onto campus, the event helped students see how the skills they are learning at college can connect to real jobs and future progression opportunities. It also gave them valuable insight into what employers are looking for, the different pathways available after college, and the variety of roles that sit behind major projects in London and beyond.
Events like this are an important part of helping students build confidence, broaden their horizons and start thinking seriously about their next steps. Sometimes a brief lunchtime conversation can plant the first seed of a future career.
London South Bank Technical College would like to thank Breveena Sahi for organising the event, as well as all of the organisations and speakers who gave their time to support the day and inspire the college’s students.
