Industry Leaders Visit Peterborough College to Inspire Future Construction Professionals

Peterborough College was proud to welcome industry specialists from Turner & Townsend and AECOM for a dedicated Construction Skills Development Workshop delivered at the Centre for Green Technology.

The session brought together senior figures from two leading organisations to provide our students with valuable guidance on careers within the construction and built environment sectors.

Representatives included Guy Burton and Anthony Parker Pease (Associate Directors, Turner & Townsend), Ashley Voss (Commercial Operations / Senior Quantity Surveyor, AECOM), along with senior cost managers and commercial professionals Waqas Tuqeer, Samson Ysu and Cas Chohan, from Turner & Townsend, who kindly shared their expertise and real-world insights.

Throughout the afternoon, students received an in-depth overview of key professional roles, future skills needs across the sector, and typical entry pathways into areas such as project management, environment lead, quantity surveying, and technical disciplines. Degree Apprenticeships, Level 3 Apprenticeships and trainee programmes were highlighted as important opportunities for students seeking a practical route into the industry.

Following the main presentation, students took part in small consultation sessions where they could ask questions directly, explore future career options, and gain tailored advice on next steps. The small group format allowed learners to receive personalised guidance and a clearer understanding of industry expectations, qualifications, and progression routes.

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“Meeting professionals from Turner & Townsend and AECOM was truly eye-opening. It has motivated me to aim higher and pursue a career where I can make a difference in the construction industry” Henry Saidler, Construction Design and Surveying for Construction T Level student

The event concluded with a summary of the opportunities available and an invitation for continued collaboration, including the possibility of site visits, future employer talks, and participation in wider College events.

Peterborough College would like to thank all the professionals who generously gave their time to engage with our students. Their support plays an essential role in helping young people make informed decisions about their future careers while strengthening the College’s ongoing partnerships with leading sector employers. Thank you to Yasas Liyanage, Cost Manager at Turner & Townsend for his support in helping to organise the event.