On 20 January 2026, Hampshire Construction Training Association (HCTA) held its first i-Construct Awards evening at Solent University’s Spark Building . The evening created a fantastic buzz amongst the winning students, their parents, teachers, careers leads and sponsor companies. Hampshire and Solent LSIP delivered by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce was delighted to sponsor the Student Choice Award.
Thanks to the support of Cathryn Brook and Andy Dodson as hosts, the winners were able to experience some of Solent University’s facilities which they could one day attend if they follow a career path into Construction. Matt Johnson, Director of South Coast Institute of Technology gave a welcome speech, followed by Anoushka Ottley from South Hampshire College Group to inspire them to find out more about their courses and apprenticeships.
The event brought together all the winning school teams and a handful of outstanding individuals from schools across Hampshire and its borders to celebrate their amazing achievements. I-Construct has now become an annual event in the schools’ curriculum hosted at CETC and CEMAST facilities at Fareham College
i-Construct is an industry-led event enabling young people to engage in a project activity by interviewing a company to ask questions raising their awareness of the range of career opportunities within the construction sector. The teams of 3-4 students present their learnings to a small judging panel and the awards evening was testament to how well they all did. To even complete such a daunting task is an achievement in itself, but we could really see what it meant to all those winners attending. Afterwards, they have the opportunity to try digital technologies, simulators and hands-on activities as well as speaking to further education providers about next steps to follow their career aspirations.
What an honour it was for all the sponsor companies involved to be able to award to students from all ages in Y7-11 and recognise the diversity of their participation and achievements. With over 550 students attending this year’s event across the 2 days from 40 schools split into 122 teams, to win one of the 27 awards on the night is something to be very proud of indeed. In total, 2,500+ students have attended i-Construct over the past 4 years.
89% of the 520 students who gave feedback are now considering or finding out more about future careers in the sector which is more than we thought possible. So it was fitting to have an opening speech from Matt Johnson, Director of South Coast Institute of Technology and Anoushka Ottley on behalf of South Hampshire College Group to corroborate the current skillsgap in construction and how they can support further education and apprenticeships options locally leading to rewarding life-long careers.
Planning for this year’s event is already under way and will be held on 15 & 16 October 2026 at CETC/CEMAST, Fareham College, to encourage more young people to explore our exciting industry.
The feedback from the attendees of i-Construct was really positive:
“We had a fabulous time at the awards evening and were very proud of our winning students. Thank you so much for providing these amazing opportunities for students.”
Gemma Whitchurch, Design & Technology Teacher, Medina College, Isle of Wight
“This event gets better each year it runs! The awards evening was a fantastic opportunity to get pupils and parents engaged with careers in this sector. Well done to everyone involved in the planning and execution of this brilliant event!
Julia Shaw, Careers Leader, Toynbee Secondary School, Eastleigh
“The children from Bridgemary School absolutely loved their time taking part in this event and winning some of the prizes was the icing on top. Thanks so much! We can’t wait to sign up for next year!”
James Lang, Teacher and ASPIRE Coordinator, Bridgemary School, Gosport
“We have found i-Construct to support our students understanding around the wide range of careers available to them within construction. Having the opportunity to have a two-way conversation with experts within the field, really enhanced the whole experience. For R winning his Award it’s boosted his confidence and will look fantastic on his CV.”
Rebecca Sheen, Assistant Head, Coxlease School, Lyndhurst
“My favourite part of i-Construct is being able to speak to all of the different companies and construction workers. Find out what their jobs are, how long it takes and source the information behind their job.”
Quote from Bonnie, Student, Castle View Academy, Portsmouth
“I never knew I’d be coming to a place like this and getting a trophy like this. I think it is the most amazing experience I could ever ask for.”
Mason, Student, Cantell School, Southampton
“I feel delighted. It is a very prestigious award and I am very happy. It was a really good experience and I made the most out of it.”
Student, Cantell School, Southampton
If you want to find out more on how to attend or get involved, please contact the i-Construct team at I-Construct@hcta.org.uk
About Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is the independent voice of local business across the county and one of the largest regional business networks in the UK. With a strategic vision to ‘unlock Hampshire’s potential’, Hampshire Chamber brings together the combined influence, strength and expertise of the county’s three former major chambers. It works with over 2,000 individual firms spanning all sectors and sizes of business. Member services include training, advice, international trade documentation, events, networking opportunities and lobbying to policymakers on issues affecting business. Hampshire Chamber’s business network is designed to help any employer to grow and thrive irrespective of their stage on the enterprise journey.