Open Doors Guidance & FAQ

Open Doors is a Build UK initiative that has been running successfully in England for over 10 years.

In 2024, Construction Futures partnered with Build UK to bring Open Doors to Northern Ireland for the first time, launching Open Doors ’25.

The initiative sees Construction and Built Environment employers open their doors to the public, welcoming educational groups, jobseekers and career changers into live construction sites, workshops, offices and other workplaces.

Visitors are given a behind-the-scenes look at what the industry does and the wide range of roles involved in shaping the built environment.

Every Open Doors event is different and will depend on your location and type of workplace. However, most events typically include:

• A welcome and sign-in

• A health and safety briefing, including PPE where required

• An introduction to your company and the project or work taking place

• A site tour or walk-through, with planned stopping points

• Opportunities to learn about different roles, trades and career pathways

• Interactive or hands-on activities to bring the visit to life

Hands-on activities might include laying a brick, handling materials, using equipment such as a total station, or taking part in activities like construction bingo or a scavenger hunt to reinforce learning in an engaging way.

The length of your event will depend on your location, audience and planned activities. As a guide, we recommend:

• Minimum: 1 hour

• Maximum: 3 hours

Shorter sessions work well for younger visitors, while longer sessions can be suitable for post-primary students, apprentices, or adult career changers.

Companies can register to host an Open Doors event via the login section of the Open Doors website. Once registered, you will be able to:

• Create a company profile

• Set up one or more event listings

• Access guidance, templates and resources through the host portal

The Open Doors website includes step-by-step guides to support you through this process. The Construction Futures team is also available to support you as much or as little as you need.

When creating your event, you can choose whether it is open to:

• Educational groups only, or

• Both educational groups and the general public

We recommend reaching out directly to any local schools, colleges or universities you already have relationships with to let them know your event is taking place. Construction Futures will also promote Open Doors events to schools, colleges and universities across Northern Ireland.

Visitor bookings typically open on the second Monday in January, with all bookings made via the Open Doors website. If you would like to secure spaces directly with a group before bookings open, please contact Construction Futures and they will support you with this.

Key preparation points include:

• Planning an engaging session (avoid ‘death by PowerPoint’ where possible!)

• Completing a risk assessment for the event and event space

• Ensuring you have sufficient and appropriate PPE for all visitors

• Involving a range of people from your organisation, including different roles, ages and career stages

• Checking dietary requirements in advance if providing refreshments and avoiding nuts

Yes. However, photo consent is required, particularly for visitors under the age of 18.

Schools will usually have consent processes in place and teachers should inform you if any students do not have permission to be photographed.

A photo consent template is available in the resources section of your Open Doors host portal.

Firstly, do not panic.

• Contact the main booking contact as soon as possible using the email address or phone number provided

• Then notify the Construction Futures team

Construction Futures will support you with next steps and communications if required.

While every site and workplace is different, successful Open Doors events often follow a similar flow:

Arrival and Welcome

• Clear signage or instructions on where to meet

• A named contact to welcome visitors

• Sign-in and PPE hand-out if required

Health and Safety Brief

• Clear, age-appropriate safety briefing

• Explanation of site rules and expectations

Project or Workplace Overview

• Overview of the project or work taking place

• Use drawings, plans, models or visuals where possible

• Consider involving the architect, client or design team if appropriate

Interactive Activity

• Ask visitors to guess how many different jobs are involved in the project

• In small groups, ask them to map out the stages of a build from start to finish

• Encourage discussion and questions

Site Tour

• Plan clear stopping points along the route

• Highlight different stages, materials, trades and sustainable features

• Allow visitors to handle materials where safe to do so

• Where possible, set up demonstrations or hands-on activities such as bricklaying

Debrief and Careers Conversation

• Return to a meeting space or site hut

• Ask visitors what surprised them or changed their perception of construction

• Provide a short careers talk, ideally involving an apprentice or graduate

• Outline early career routes, progression opportunities and pathways within your company and supply chain

Q&A, Merch and Feedback

• Open the floor to questions

• Distribute merch bags

• Encourage visitors to complete the feedback survey using the QR code provided by Construction Futures before leaving

Refreshments can be included at an appropriate point within the session if provided.

In the Run-Up to Your Event

• Confirm bookings and main contacts

• Complete and review risk assessments

• Prepare visitor information / visit guide

• Confirm staffing and roles on the day

• Arrange PPE and materials

• Check dietary requirements if applicable

• Send final information and photo consent forms at least one week before the event

On the Day of the Event

• Set up welcome point and signage

• Prepare sign-in and PPE distribution

• Deliver safety briefing

• Keep group sizes manageable and complete headcounts

• Monitor timing and visitor engagement

• Share next steps and encourage feedback completion