Meet a real-life civil engineer at Smeaton’s Tower 2026 – A fantastic success

This June, more than 300 primary school students took part in our ‘meet a real-life civil engineer at Smeaton’s Tower 2026’ event, giving young learners a unique opportunity to discover the exciting world of civil engineering and construction.

The event brought together professional civil engineers from Cormac, Babcock and Balfour Beatty, who shared their experiences and inspired the next generation of engineers through hands-on activities and engaging conversations.

We were delighted to welcome students from Holy Cross School, Mount Street Primary School, Pilgrim Primary School, St Peter’s School, Keyham Barton Catholic Primary School, Salisbury Road Primary School, Stoke Dameral Primary School, as well as a number of home-educated students.

Throughout the day, students explored the iconic Smeaton’s Tower, learning about the life and achievements of pioneering civil engineer John Smeaton and discovering how his innovative designs helped shape modern engineering.

One of the highlights of the event was a practical engineering challenge led by Sam from BuildX (SW) Ltd, where students worked together to construct tetrahedrons using wooden sticks and rubber bands. The activity encouraged teamwork, problem-solving and creative thinking while demonstrating some of the fundamental principles of structural engineering.

The real excitement came when students stepped into the shoes of a civil engineer and designed their own lighthouses. Their creativity was truly impressive, with designs featuring everything from water slides and elevators to rooftop greenhouses. It was wonderful to see so many unique ideas and innovative solutions brought to life through their drawings and models.

The event sparked plenty of curiosity, with students enthusiastically asking questions about civil engineering careers and the pathways available to them in the future. Discussions quickly expanded beyond engineering, opening conversations about the wider construction industry and the many different roles that contribute to delivering major projects and infrastructure.

Most importantly, the event helped young people see that engineering is a career open to everyone. By meeting real professionals and taking part in hands-on activities, students gained valuable insight into the skills, creativity and teamwork that underpin the industry.

A huge thank you to all the schools, students, volunteers and industry partners who helped make Meet a Real-Life Civil Engineer at Smeaton’s Tower 2026 such a memorable and inspiring event. We look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of engineers and construction professionals in the years to come.