NTU Mansfield apprentices present innovative real-world construction solutions to Laing O’Rourke
Higher National Certificate (HNC) apprentices from Nottingham Trent University’s Mansfield Hub showcased their innovative project proposals to representatives from Explore Manufacturing, the Centre of Excellence for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) based in Worksop.
By Sarah McLeod | Published on 9 July 2025
Categories: Press office; Mansfield; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
NTU Mansfield HNC apprentices showcase
The apprentices, studying Site Supervision and Design & Build, presented their work as part of the “Principles of Off-Site Manufacturing” module. The project was developed in collaboration with Explore Manufacturing, part of Laing O’Rourke, and challenged students to address real-world construction scenarios using modern, sustainable approaches.
Jack Burvill and Ben Corlett from Explore Manufacturing evaluated the presentations, offering detailed feedback aligned with the module’s assessment criteria. Their insights not only supported the students’ academic development but also reflected Explore’s long-term commitment to nurturing future talent in the construction sector.
David Walker, NTU’s Construction Curriculum Lead, praised the collaboration:
"The students presented brilliantly, and the feedback from Explore was invaluable. Their ongoing support is truly heartwarming and reinforces the importance of industry-academic partnerships in driving innovation and sustainability."
Explore Manufacturing, Europe’s largest and most advanced pre-assembly construction facility, has been a pioneer in transforming traditional construction through lean automation and low-carbon technologies. In 2023, Laing O’Rourke mandated the use of low-carbon concrete across all new UK projects, underlining its leadership in sustainable construction.
This partnership exemplifies how education and industry can work together to equip the next generation of construction professionals with the skills and mindset needed for a net-zero future.
For further information about Construction courses delivered at NTU Mansfield, visit ntu.ac.uk/mansfield
Notes for Editors
Press enquiries please contact Sarah McLeod, Corporate Communications Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8735, or via email.
About Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has been named UK ‘University of the Year’ five times in six years, (Times Higher Education Awards 2017, The Guardian University Awards 2019, The Times and Sunday Times 2018 and 2023, Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023) and is consistently one of the top performing modern universities in the UK.
It is the 3rd best modern university in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). Students have voted NTU 1st in the UK for student employability (Uni Compare 2025)
NTU is the 5th largest UK institution by student numbers, with over 40,000 students and more than 4,400 staff located across six campuses. It has an international student population of almost 7,000 and an NTU community representing over 160 countries.
NTU owns two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for outstanding achievements in research (2015, 2021). The first recognises NTU’s research on the safety and security of global citizens. The second was awarded for research in science, engineering, arts and humanities to investigate and restore cultural objects, buildings and heritage. The Research Excellence Framework (2021) classed 83% of NTU’s research activity as either world-leading or internationally excellent.
NTU was awarded GOLD in the national 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment, as it was in 2017.