The scheme aims to partner second year undergraduate students from the University’s School of Built Environment with successful industry professionals.

Forty potential employers from across the country have already expressed secure interest in becoming mentors to students from companies including The Co-Operative Group, Green Project Management LTD and ISG.

The project will allow students to link the theory of their University course to the real workplace, introducing them to experts already working in the business.

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CIC Regional Chair and HEA Discipline Lead, Aled Williams, said: “Having people who are prepared to act as mentors provides a great opportunity for a student and has the potential to make the difficult transition from study to work both easier and more successful.”

The University has 24 students taking part in the programme with the first field visits already taking place. One undergraduate who has recently completed the scheme said: “I would highly recommend it to anyone else thinking of running the scheme especially for people who have little or no industry experience or contacts.”

“My mentor, Gareth, arranged a whole day where I could shadow him both in the office and on a live construction site. Having vast experience in a wide range of disciplines, a student mentor is well suited to offer advice and assistance where necessary to supplement your current studies. I was given impartial advice on how to go about writing for and applying for jobs. Gareth also requested I send him a copy of my CV for the purposes of helping me word it to appeal to prospective employers in construction, all of which was very helpful.”

Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Bolton are amongst the other organisations participating in The Learner Voice project.

Students wishing to join the industry placement scheme should contact senior lecturer Andy Turner a.r.turner@salford.ac.uk