Open Doors takes you behind the scenes to showcase the fantastic range of careers available in construction. Hundreds of events recently participated in March 2024, across all types of construction sites, as well as training and manufacturing facilities, depots, offices, and virtual reality.
The event, which partners with Go Construct, was an exclusive opportunity to experience construction workplaces and see the range of the 180+ different careers in action. Visitors gained an exclusive insight into the sector and left inspired to consider construction careers going forwards, and you can check out our short video featuring Willmott Dixon employee Michael Oppong, who is just one of the many Open Doors success stories, to see the impact a site visit can have on recruiting the next generation.
Open Doors 2024 has now concluded, but you can find out more about the construction industry and what it has to offer by visiting our Careers page and checking out this short video showcasing the opportunities available within construction. Details on future events will be released shortly.
Open Doors took place from Monday 18 – Saturday 23 March 2024. Details on future events will be released shortly.
Open Doors took place from Monday 18 – Saturday 23 March 2024 and you can see more in our Gallery. You can also find out more about the impact of the event in our 2023 Review. A Review of the 2024 event will be published shortly.
All Open Doors visits are provided free of charge. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with additional costs involved e.g. travel, but if personal protective equipment (PPE) is required the site will provide this for you.
If a suitable event does not appear on our map, please contact us and we will ask our event hosts if they can open one local to you. If we cannot source a local location for you we will see if any online events are a possibility.
We would recommend sensible shoes and comfortable clothing and it is always a good idea to bring some waterproof clothing as well just in case! Protective clothing (PPE) will be provided by the construction company hosting the site tour if required.
You will get the opportunity to see the project, office, or factory, meet the people who work in the industry and hear about their route into the industry. Many sites will require visitors to wear protective clothing (PPE), which will be provided. Some events will also offer interactive experiences e.g. virtual reality, simulators or work tasters. Individual events will provide information on what will be on offer on their event profiles, but you can contact them directly through their profile if you would like additional details.
This will vary and estimated durations can be found on each event’s profile.
Yes absolutely! Just remember you will need to book each event individually and provide all the requested details separately (e.g. shoe sizes), as the locations will likely be hosted by different companies.
Whilst we encourage groups of all sizes, some sites may be operating under restrictions that mean they are not able to host larger groups. Please check the individual event profile for further details and remember that the earlier you book, the easier it will be to accommodate you!
We are happy for international visitors to attend. However, please note that Open Doors’ main aim is to encourage new recruits into the British construction industry, and so places may be prioritised for resident visitors where demand exceeds supply. Please note that Open Doors cannot advise on or assist with work visa applications.
We actively encourage all events to host children where possible. Details on whether children can attend, and any applicable age restrictions, will be available on each event profile, as this will differ between events. Please note if an event does allow children to visit, all vulnerable individuals including under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If under 18, they must also have parental or legal guardian consent.
Bookings are currently closed. Details on future events will be released shortly.
A group visit to an Open Doors event will allow you all to see what goes on behind the scenes and learn about the fantastic range of careers available in construction. We encourage visitors to bring their friends and families along.
Whilst we aim to be able to host all disabled visitors, this will depend on the event in question. Each event will clearly outline its accessibility and you can contact the event hosts directly through their profiles if you need further information or provisions.
Each site taking part in Open Doors has taken all steps to make sure your site visit will be safe and enjoyable. To ensure your own safety you should follow any guidance given on site. All events can provide a Risk Assessment in advance of your visit if required.
The construction industry can offer people from all different ages and backgrounds an exciting career. There is so much more to construction than just building, from design and engineering through project planning to the archaeological digs that take place. To find out more about the wide variety of construction careers, the qualifications you need and case studies on what it is really like, please visit the careers website Go Construct.
You can also check out our short video showcasing the opportunities available within the industry.
Our Careers page features lots of useful information on construction industry roles and how to get into them.
For general questions relating to Open Doors please email our team via info@opendoors.construction. For information on attending specific events please make direct contact through each event’s profile.