Students studying BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment at South Eastern Regional College's Downpatrick Campus visited Annsborough Wastewater Treatment Works near Castlewellan.

The site visit occurred during the Northern Ireland Construction Industry's annual Open Doors campaign, which provides workplace tours and interactive sessions.

Caylan Ellesmere, Lecturer in Construction and the Built Environment, stated that the visit linked classroom theory to real construction environments. Students observed materials, structural elements and processes on the live site.

Michael Watson, Contracts Manager at BSG Engineering, gave an induction covering the project, the company's role and health and safety arrangements.

Students saw engineers and groundworkers on site, gaining insight into construction sequencing, site layout, welfare facilities, access routes, storage areas, PPE, safety requirements and risk control measures.

The visit supported their Civil Engineering unit on building large wastewater treatment works and showed the need for collaboration, communication and planning in the industry.

Connor Doherty, on a Higher-Level Apprenticeship, and Ben McErlean, with a traditional Civil Engineering degree, both from BSG Engineering, discussed their career paths and demonstrated leveling and setting out a building with GPS equipment.

Aidan Diamond, Project Engineer, led a site tour and explained project challenges and solutions.

Caylan Ellesmere thanked the staff for their time and expertise in supporting student learning.