Two construction students from Nigeria have broadened their career ambitions after completing summer work placements on key regeneration projects in the Tees Valley.

Seun Olowomuwagun and Elijah Olugbode moved to the North East to study MSc Masters Project Management at Teesside University, having previously completed undergraduate degrees in quantity surveying and civil engineering respectively at the Federal University of Technology in Akure, Nigeria.

Although the duo came to the UK individually, coincidence found them studying on the same course at Teesside University. Both Seun and Elijah then went on to work at north of England contractor Esh Construction at the same time but on different projects.

Seun has spent three months working with Esh’s team on Stockton Waterfront Urban Park, a £23 million transformational civil engineering project which will deliver a series of impressive and unique play areas, an amphitheatre and a host of flexible open spaces on behalf of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

Meanwhile, Elijah has shadowed the site team at Union Village in Gresham, where Esh is developing 250 new affordable homes for housing provider Thirteen Group.

Seun and Elijah will now return to Teesside University to complete their Masters dissertation in January 2025, with both claiming their experience on live Tees Valley regeneration projects has bolstered their career ambitions when they finish their studies.

Seun, who has been curious about how buildings were developed from a young age, said: “I’d become aware of Esh Construction through an event I attended in Newcastle, and given I am living in Stockton, I was aware of the urban park project on my doorstep. It was only when catching up with Elijah though that I sought out a placement with the firm.

“From my first interactions with Esh on site in Stockton, everyone was very welcoming. I’ve been working across quantity surveying and project management elements. Although everyone knew I wasn't entirely new to construction, I was eager to deepen my understanding of how things are done in the UK. The team was incredibly supportive, sharing their expertise and adapting to my learning pace, helping me quickly get up to speed with the unique aspects of the project.

“I could see other site members developing around me and it showed me the type of company that Esh really is. Beyond the direct construction elements of the role, I even managed to get involved with social value and community engagement - I was able to help out and do volunteering with the wider team.”

Through Esh’s mentorship, guidance, and access to industry technologies, Elijah says his work placement has given him a platform to work anywhere globally.

He said: “When I was studying in Nigeria, I wanted to become a petrochemical engineer, with a focus on tapping into the oil space. However, there were limited opportunities in that field, so I had to look at wider interests in engineering. I have been able to use my mathematics and scientific skills to find critical solutions and explore civil engineering.

“Since coming to the UK, my interests have shifted from seeking out tech roles and looking more into project management opportunities. Like Seun, it was important for me to come to the UK, where construction is practiced in a more advanced way. I want to explore the benefits of working in the UK construction industry.

“I believe it is the best industry in the world and the type of projects we have, and can continue to work on here, are outstanding and Esh has really helped me to take my skills to a new level. The company has an ethos to give people an opportunity to grow, to learn, develop and integrate. I’ve really enjoyed that about my time with Esh, it's a good place to be.”

HR Director at Esh Construction, Chris Watson, said that providing opportunities to people seeking to develop their career prospects is part of the company’s fabric. She added: “We’re truly delighted that Seun and Elijah had such a positive experience with Esh. Their enthusiasm and engagement throughout their time with the team did not go unnoticed. It’s always rewarding to see work placement candidates take full advantage of the opportunities provided, and we wish them both well in their future endeavours.”

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo with a £1 trial subscription for four weeks here.

Most read:

Dr Gordon Marshall, Associate Dean (International) in the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said: “Teesside University is a global institution with more than 150,000 graduates from 150 countries.

“We are very proud of the way our vibrant and diverse student community is able to make such an impact providing a skills pipeline to support industry in this region and beyond to expand and grow.

“As a University we work hard to ensure our students are able to get real world experience working on live projects, and it is fantastic that Esh Group have been able to provide this opportunity to Seun and Elijah, which will be invaluable to them throughout their careers.”