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& Career Changers

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Get Involved with Open Doors 2024

Open Doors takes you behind the scenes to showcase the fantastic range of careers available in construction – hundreds of events will be available by March 2024.  All types of construction sites, as well as training and manufacturing facilities, depots, offices, virtual reality and online events will be on offer to showcase roles across the sector.

The event, which partners with Go Construct, is an exclusive opportunity to experience construction workplaces and see the range of the 180+ different careers in action.  Visitors will not only gain an exclusive insight into the sector but will leave inspired to consider construction careers going forwards.

Next Steps

If you are interested in attending an Open Doors visit, use the interactive map to locate events in your area.  You can then look at the event profiles and book your place from 8 January 2024.  You will be asked to provide sizes for protective clothing (PPE), if required. Events will continue to be added until March 2024, so check back regularly for new additions in your local area. Please contact the Open Doors team if you cannot find anything nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting

When does Open Doors take place?

Open Doors will take place from Monday 18 – Saturday 23 March 2024.  View our Countdown to Open Doors 2024 for further information and to see the upcoming dates for your diaries.

What happened at the last Open Doors event?

Open Doors took place from 13 – 18 March 2023 and you can see more in our Gallery.  You can also learn about the impact of the event in our Review.

How much does it cost?

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.

What can I do if there are no sites nearby?

If a suitable site does not appear on our map by January 2024, please contact us and we will ask our site hosts if they can open one local to you.  If we cannot source a local site for you we will see if any online events are a possibility.

Do I need to wear anything special?

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.

What will happen during my site visit?

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 sites will also offer interactive experiences e.g. virtual reality, simulators or work tasters.  Individual sites will provide information on what will be on offer on their site profiles, but you can contact them directly through their profile if you would like additional details.

If you have any specific requests or interests please mention them when booking and we will do our best to help to make them happen.

How long will the visit last?

This will vary and estimated durations can be found on each site profile.

Can I attend more than one site?

Yes absolutely! Just remember you will need to book each site individually and provide all the requested details separately (e.g. shoe sizes), as the sites will likely be hosted by different companies.

Can large groups attend?

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 site profile for further details and remember that the earlier you book, the easier it will be to accommodate you!

Can children attend?

We actively encourage all sites to host children where possible.  Details on whether children can attend, and any applicable age restrictions, will be available on each site profile, as this will differ from site to site. Please note if a site 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.

Can I walk around alone?

No, we’re afraid not. You will have to stay with the chaperone you are allocated at all times.

Bookings

How do I book a site visit?

From Monday 8 January 2024, you will need to log in to your account to book an Open Doors visit. Your account will be created when you make your first booking. You can use the same account to book additional visits.

If possible, you should have the shoe and protective clothing (PPE) sizes handy for all persons attending.  These can be amended or added in later if necessary.  (Not all sites require visitors to wear protective clothing).

How do I create an account on the Open Doors website?

Your account will be created when you first book a visit to an Open Doors site. You can then use the same account to book other visits.

Why book a group visit?

A group visit to an Open Doors site 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.

How do I book a group visit?

From 8 January 2024, when making your booking, you can select the ‘Group Booking’ option and enter the details for each person who will be in your group, including their shoe and protective clothing sizes.  You can return to complete the sizes later if necessary.

Accessibility

I have accessibility needs – can I attend?

Whilst we aim to be able to host all disabled visitors, this will depend on the site in question. Each site will clearly outline its accessibility and you can contact the sites directly through their site profiles if you need further information or provisions.

Health & Safety

Will the sites be safe?

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.  Sites can provide a Risk Assessment in advance of your visit if required.

Other

What can construction offer me?

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.

Where can I find more information on careers in construction?

Our Careers page features lots of useful information on construction industry roles and how to get into them.

What if I have further questions?

For general questions relating to Open Doors please email our team via info@opendoors.construction.  For information on visiting specific sites please make direct contact through each site’s profile.