To mark National Work Experience Month, Russell WBHO welcomed two students from Rochdale Sixth Form College for a four-day placement, giving them the chance to explore the wide variety of roles involved in delivering construction projects.
Work experience plays an important role in helping young people understand the workplace and prepare for the transition from education into employment. As part of its commitment to developing the next generation, Russell WBHO is proud to host students for work experience placements, introducing them to the breadth of roles within construction while helping them build confidence and practical knowledge.
Harry and Fred joined the team for a structured placement designed to showcase how projects are delivered from the concept stage through to completion. Throughout the week, they worked alongside colleagues from across the business, discovering how different departments collaborate to deliver successful schemes.
During their placement, the students spent time with teams across:
- Quantity Surveying
- Site Engineering
- Site Management
- Pre-Construction
- Design Management
- Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ)
They also visited several Russell WBHO projects at different stages of construction, including Trafford Palazzo, Hollinwood Junction and Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, seeing first-hand how developments progress from pre-construction and design through to completion and handover.
As part of the placement, Harry and Fred were tasked with interviewing two of Russell WBHO’s first-year Building Students. Their probing questions covered their journey onto the five-year programme, the departments they have worked in so far, balancing university with practical experience and what they have enjoyed most since joining the business.
After completing the placement, Fred said: “Thank you very much for letting me spend the week with Russell WBHO. I thoroughly enjoyed every day, especially the site management and site engineering side of things. After hearing all about the Building Student Programme, I’m keen to apply for the five-year course once I’ve finished my college studies.”
Harry added: “Thank you for having me at Russell WBHO to complete my work experience. I have enjoyed every second of it and would love to come again.”
Reflecting on the placement, John Millward, Construction Director at Russell WBHO, said: “Work experience affords young people the opportunity to see what the construction industry is really about and explore the wide range of careers it offers. By spending time with different teams and visiting live projects, Harry and Fred were able to see how every part of the business contributes to a successful outcome. They embraced everything they were involved in throughout the week, and we hope the experience has inspired them as they consider their next steps.”
Supporting young people as they begin their careers remains an important part of Russell WBHO’s approach to developing the next generation of construction professionals. Through work experience placements and its award-winning Building Student Programme, the business helps students explore a wide range of careers available across the construction industry.
Applications for the next intake of Russell WBHO’s Building Student Programme will open in October 2026.
