Grant Associates supports new Design Engineer Construct Programme in Bristol
Grant Associates is supporting the roll out of Bristol’s first Design Engineer Construct (DEC) Programme for secondary-school students, as part of its role as landscape architect for Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus (TQA1).
The programme, which is being run through a partnership between Sir Robert McAlpine and the University of Bristol, aims to promote and inspire the next generation of professionals into the construction industry by giving them the qualifications they need to succeed.
Whilst there are schemes being run on the TQA1 site in conjunction with schools and colleges in the Bristol area, which offer work experience, apprenticeships, and graduate experiences to young students, the DEC programme is set to take it a step further.
It will provide students from 13-18+ the opportunity to increase their knowledge of professional practice in the digital built environment. This is delivered through a programme of study in year 10 and 11 to culminate in a DEC GCSE, and options thereafter in A or T levels that support access into the industry or higher education.
The partnership with the University of Bristol also provides the opportunity for sessions to be delivered or supported by university staff, as well as helping build links with providers in the region who can support students with varied pathways into further and high education careers.
IKB Academy first school to run DEC programme
The selection process for the new DEC programme involved seven local schools in Bristol, and after a considered decision-making process, IKB Academy was selected to be the first school to run it.
Initial DEC pupil engagement took place occurred in September 2024 with Year 10 and 12 pupils engaged in a whole day exercise to design an Eco Classroom. Members of the project’s consultant team from Grant Associates and Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios were on hand to support pupils and provide their expertise throughout the day, before helping judge the winners and runners up.
We were delighted to support this great educational and community engagement initiative designed by Sir Robert McApline in partnership with the University of Bristol. The programme gives young people in Bristol a real practical insight into the world of construction, helping identify and inspire the future custodians of our built environment.
The University of Bristol’s flagship project, the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus (TQA1) will be home to 4,600 students and 460 university staff, alongside a raft of new educational facilities. With the project set to reshape the city, the Campus will also house a new Business School, Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre, and a Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Following the key milestone of the topping-out ceremony in September, tree tagging also took place. Grant Associates organised visits to nurseries in the UK and Europe to source over 130 trees across 40 species, including "orchard" planting, enhancing diversity and creating a fruitful learning environment for both students and visitors.
