STEMstruct 2025: Building a Town of the Future

Written By Rachael Conway

This autumn, following a successful pilot in June, Construction Futures once again partnered with Sentinus to bring STEMstruct to primary schools in Northern Ireland, and what an incredible journey it’s been. This time working with schools in the Greater Belfast area, we returned with a new challenge for Primary 7 pupils: Design & build the ‘Town of the Future’.

STEMstruct Celebration Event group shot including pupils, teachers, workshop hosts, mentors, judges & guests

Throughout September and October, we delivered exciting hands-on, in-class workshops in 20 primary schools, introducing pupils to the roles of an Architect, Engineer, Builder and Sustainability Manager. During these sessions, students explored key elements of construction and experimented with different materials and solutions that could shape the towns and cities of tomorrow.

In November, participating classes joined a series of online video calls where they heard directly from professionals working in each of the roles. These interactive sessions offered pupils valuable insights into how construction teams collaborate to shape our built environment, while also giving them the opportunity to ask questions that would support and inspire their own project ideas.

Across the programme, pupils explored planning, design, teamwork and problem-solving as they brought their imaginative future towns to life.

Their ideas were innovative, bold and often brilliantly unexpected, with everything from eco-homes and renewable energy stations to community hubs designed for wellbeing, safety and sustainability. The level of creativity shown by every school was outstanding.

Pupils show and tell their ‘Town of the Future’ with the STEMstruct judges

Celebration Day: School Showcase, Awards Ceremony & STEM Workshops

On Wednesday 3 December, we welcomed almost 500 pupils and their teachers from the participating schools to our STEMstruct Celebration Day, marking the finale of this year's programme.

Pupils proudly displayed their completed ‘Town of the Future’ models, presenting their ideas to industry judges, guests, supporters and partners. From innovative energy solutions to thoughtful community planning, the level of detail and imagination was incredibly impressive. It was fantastic to see pupils explaining the thinking behind their designs and reflecting on the roles they had taken on during the workshops.

Alongside the showcases, pupils took part in a series of construction focused STEM workshops and demonstrations, adding even more excitement to the day!

Our STEMstruct Winners

First Place: Mercy Primary School

£250 STEM Resource Voucher, sponsored by JP Corry

Weavers Cross Regeneration Project Class Visit, sponsored by MRP

2nd Place: Lisburn Central Primary School

£150 STEM Resource Voucher, sponsored by CIOB

3rd Place: Strathearn Prep

£100 STEM Resource Voucher, sponsored by Heron Bros

 

Thank You to Our STEMstruct Supporters:

STEMstruct would not be possible without the ongoing support of organisations across the construction sector. Their involvement helps bring the industry to life for young people and strengthens connections between schools and employers. We are proud to work with organisations who share our commitment to inspiring the next generation of construction talent.

Our celebration event workshop hosts:
GRAHAM | WOMENS'TEC | The Big Bridge | Mark the Science Guy | Sentinus

Our event and awards sponsors:
Mascott | MRP | JP Corry | CIOB | Heron Bros

Our judges:

Industry volunteers who attended the in-class workshops and provided mentorship on the day:

Sentinus:
Collaboration is at the heart of Construction Futures, and we want to give special thanks to our STEMStruct partner Sentinus, particularly Ciaran, David, and the entire team for helping bring our vision to life, with a special mention to their in-class workshop facilitators Bea & Jimmy attended each of the 20 in-school workshops.

Our fantastic guest speakers, who’s insights helped pupils connect their workshop experience to real-world construction projects and future career pathways:

J&K Coaches:
Co-ordinating the logistics of bringing 500 pupils, their teachers and their projects to the Queens Sport PEC is no easy feat, but the team at J&K Coaches ensured that everyone made it safely to and from the event with expert planning. Thank you for taking the time to plan and co-ordinate the transport.

And a final thanks you and congratulations to all the schools who took part in STEMstruct 2025  ‘Town of the Future’ programme:

Belvoir Park Primary School | Ben Madigan Preparatory School | Christ the Redeemer Primary School | Downshire Primary School | Holy Child Primary School | Holy Cross Girls Primary School | Inchmarlo Preparatory | Lisburn Central Primary School | Lowwood Primary School | Mercy Primary School | Seaview Primary School | Seymour Hill Primary School | St James's Primary School | St Malachy's Primary School | St Mary's Star of the Sea | St Patrick's Primary School | St. Peter's Primary School | Strathearn Preparatory

 

Looking Ahead

We are delighted with the success of this year's STEMstruct programme and the enthusiasm shown by schools, pupils and industry partners. Programmes like this create lasting impact for children, far beyond a quick presentation in a classroom and it’s something we are committed to continuing into 2026.

Keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates!

 

Gallery

Rachael Conway
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