Inspiring the next generation: Southsea Coastal Scheme brings engineering to life
From spaghetti towers to wave tanks and shoreline walk and talks, the Southsea Coastal Scheme team has been out in the community sparking curiosity, building confidence and showing young people that engineering is far more than hard hats and heavy machinery!
Solent Primary STEM Fair
Over two days at the Solent Primary STEM Fair, more than 200 primary students took on our spaghetti‑tower challenge, a fun, hands‑on way to introduce problem‑solving, teamwork and the creativity behind engineering.
The goal was simple, build the tallest, strongest tower possible. As students experimented, they were unknowingly stepping into the mindset of real engineers. The activity wasn’t about perfection; it was about igniting early curiosity, showing that engineering is creative, collaborative and fun.
Havant College Careers Fair
At Havant College, the team met with older students preparing for their next steps. Alongside businesses and higher education providers, the team showcased the breadth of opportunities available at VolkerStevin and within the Southsea Coastal Scheme.
The wave tank was a hit, offering a tangible look at how coastal defences work, and why they matter. But the conversations went beyond civil engineering. Students were surprised to learn just how many roles contribute to a project of this scale: environmental specialists, planners, digital engineers, communications teams, project managers and more. It was a chance to show that there’s a place for every skillset in the built environment sector.
Oarsome Chance
As part of Open Doors week, the team welcomed seven pupils and three staff from Oarsome Chance – an alternative education provider the Southsea Coastal Scheme has proudly partnered with for three consecutive years.
Their visits are intentionally informal, creating a relaxed environment where students can ask questions freely and explore at their own pace. The students explored the wave tank, talking through the sea defences, and discussed the wide range of on‑site and off‑site careers that make the scheme possible.
The highlight was a walk‑and‑talk along the outside of Frontage 3, giving students a real‑world view of the engineering they’d just learned about. For many, seeing the project up close transform’s abstract ideas into something relatable and achievable.
The Southsea Coastal Scheme team remains committed to delivering social value that lasts, not only protecting the coastline, but also investing in the future minds who may one day design, build or lead the next generation of infrastructure projects.
