Bradford College Students Visit The Shard for Construction Insight

Construction Management students gain practical experience in London

Students studying Construction Management at Bradford College recently took part in an educational visit to London, centred around a visit to The Shard. The trip aimed to provide them with a firsthand understanding of large-scale construction projects, focusing on the complexities involved in design, surveying, and planning.

Details of the visit

The group included two cohorts of students: T Level Foundation students and first-year T Level Construction Management students, all currently engaged in studying Design, Surveying, and Planning. The visit offered an opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge from the classroom with real-world industry practices.

The journey began at Bradford Interchange, with the students travelling by train to London King’s Cross. From there, they used the London Underground to reach Camden Market, where they had lunch. The main feature of the visit was The Shard, where students experienced the panoramic views of London from 900 feet above ground level.

Following this, the group enjoyed refreshments at the top of the building before concluding the day with a walk along the River Thames. This walk included passing by HMS Belfast and crossing Tower Bridge. The students then returned to King’s Cross by tube and travelled back to Bradford.

Educational benefits and student engagement

• The visit provided students with insight into the scale and complexity of major construction projects.
• Students were noted for their engagement, behaviour, and inquisitive questions throughout the day.
• For several students, this was their first visit to London, adding to the experience’s impact.
• The trip helped build confidence and broaden students’ horizons beyond the classroom environment.

Overall, the visit was designed to enhance the students’ understanding of the construction industry and support their ongoing studies in Construction Management.