Inspiring engineers of the future

Fletcher Construction's proud to be supporting the new Bridges to Schools initiative. The programme aims to get school kids interested in engineering careers with a the help of a special kid-size cable-stay bridge. The bridge breaks down into about 100 pieces, and is being taken to schools around Aotearoa. Students eight years and older are given the chance to put it together alongside industry volunteers, learning about engineering along the way.

Bridges to Schools is an Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) international initiative, brought to New Zealand by ICE NZ Chair and Higgins Senior Project Manager Sam Best, who was inspired by the success of the programme overseas. "I know the kids who take part in Bridges to Schools love the opportunity to get hands-on engineering experience. It’s a great way to make civil engineering tangible for young people, and will hopefully excite more young people to pursue a career in engineering.”
 
The bridge has been funded by ICE, Fletcher Construction, Altus, Easysteel and PlaceMakers. It was fabricated by a team of technicians at AUT’s Built Environment and Mechanical Engineering Labs.