Placements take students' skills ‘to new level’

Two Nigerian students have broadened their career horizons after completing summer work placements with a construction business.

Seun Olowomuwagun and Elijah Olugbode, who are pursuing project management masters degrees at Teesside University, spent three months working with Esh Construction across Teesside.

Seun contributed to the Stockton Waterfront Urban Park project, a £23 million development aiming to transform the town centre by replacing high street stores with a riverside plaza and land bridge structure, as well as play areas, an amphitheatre and open spaces.

Elijah shadowed the site team at Union Village, in Gresham, Middlesbrough, where 250 affordable homes are being built for housing provider Thirteen Group.

Both students, who previously completed undergraduate degrees at Nigeria's Federal University of Technology, in Akure, say their experiences have proved extremely rewarding.

Seun said: “I’d become aware of Esh Construction through an event I attended in Newcastle, and given I am living in Stockton, I was aware of the urban park project on my doorstep.

“The team was incredibly supportive, sharing their expertise and adapting to my learning pace, helping me quickly get up to speed with the unique aspects of the project.”

Elijah said: “It was important for me to come to the UK, where construction is practised in a more advanced way.

"I want to explore the benefits of working in the UK construction industry.

“Esh has really helped take my skills to a new level.”

Chris Watson, Esh Construction’s HR director, added: “We’re truly delighted Seun and Elijah had such a positive experience.

"Their enthusiasm and engagement throughout their time with the team did not go unnoticed.

“We wish them both well in their future endeavours.”

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