Photo: @PositiveSteps on Twitter

Students from across the college visited American multinational company AECOM. 

AECOM are a global infrastructure engineering firm that work in "delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle" (aecom.com). The company currently employ 86,000 people across 7 continents and some of their most "iconic" projects include the One World Trade Center in New York City, the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 and Crossrail London (aecom.com). AECOM's global reach and their catalogue of work is extensive, making it even more exciting that students from Ashton Sixth Form College had the opportunity to spend the day with them.

Students visited the company's office on New York Street in Manchester's City Centre, allowing them to gain an insight in to the company and how it functions at an operational level. The visit was primarily focussed on engineering and its use in everyday life. Students took part in a workshop which required them to construct a traffic signal plan in small groups.

They then applied their learning to a large-scale junction not far from the college to further understand the complexities of designing traffic signals for the junctions we use on a daily basis. It allowed them to see how a process that appears mundane and simple can have huge consequences and complexities in society. 

David Nicholson, Roads North Director at AECOM, said: "With a growing focus on regeneration and infrastructure within the region, it is vital we engage with the younger generation to ensure they understand the importance of engineering and the benefits it can bring to their local community.”

The trip encouraged students to think about the opportunities that are available to them locally and highlighted the sheer number of global companies that have positioned themselves in Manchester. 

Find out more about the range of enrichment opportunities available to students here.