EXTRAORDINARY CAREERS START WITH DEC
Inspire your students to design the world around them
Design Engineer Construct! (DEC) is an award-winning accredited learning programme that brings the world of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) into the classroom – empowering and educating students (and their teachers) to discover digital built environment careers.
A huge thank you to Mrs Ferreira, DEC Teacher at Les Quennevais School and her Year 9 students for making this inspiring film.
Real-world Learning
Students move beyond textbooks, gaining advanced digital skills and experience from real-world projects.
Industry Connections
DEC partners with professionals who mentor students, share career insights, and bring learning to life.
Exciting Career Pathways
DEC inspires and enables young people to become the architecture, engineering and construction professionals of the future.
Recognised Qualifications
Mapped to national education frameworks, DEC supports academic success while building future-ready skills.
Chat about learning and teaching DEC with one of our team
Supported by world-class education & industry partners, including:
Look at the work of 11-18 year olds at Stratford upon Avon School
Helped by us and our industry friends, DEC is taught by teachers just like YOU!
Across the UK and around the world, schools are embedding Design Engineer Construct! (DEC) into all areas of their curriculum.
Students aren’t just learning; they’re designing, engineering, and constructing the future. From sustainable buildings to infrastructure solutions, they tackle real-world challenges, developing professional-standard projects that mirror industry practice.
Thousands of students are currently studying DEC, working on projects that push the boundaries of sustainability, creativity, and technical excellence.
INSPIRE: DESIGN CHALLENGE
Every year, we launch a free-to-enter design challenge for students across the world, offering incredible real-world learning experiences and extraordinary opportunities with industry professionals.
Our 2025 challenge, Design a Nature-based Solution, invites students to reimagine the built environment in harmony with nature. From innovative green spaces to climate-resilient infrastructure, this challenge pushes creativity, sustainability, and engineering excellence to new heights.
Last year, Uptown International School, Dubai won the Net Zero Rail Station Hub challenge and spent an unforgettable week in London, collaborating with industry professionals and seeing their designs brought to life.
EXPLORE: DEC AWARDS
DEC Awards are small projects that immerse children and young people in the exciting world of the Built Environment.
They learn to design, engineer and construct a range of extraordinary buildings and structures, from spy-themed hotels and live music venues to riverside facilities and rural schools.
Fully supported STEM/STEAM projects
DEC Awards are perfect for use in school clubs, as enrichment activities and are now available for home learning.
STUDY: DEC QUALIFICATIONS
We offer formal study programmes for students age 11-18 leading to recognised qualifications in building and infrastructure design that are highly respected by leading employers and universities.
DEC inspires and provides real opportunities for young people considering exciting professional careers in Construction and the Built Environment.
They discover real-world applications of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths through our through our strong industry and academic links.
ENGAGE: DEC WORK EXPERIENCE
Budding architecture, engineering and construction professionals learn from the best in the business during our work experience weeks.
School, college and home learners age 14 to 19 will develop the key knowledge and employability, technical and business skills required for a career in the Built Environment.
It’s an experience like no other and a fantastic addition to their CVs!
CONNECT: DEC AMBASSADORS
The DEC Ambassador Programme connects teachers and students with past Design Engineer Construct! students who have gone on to careers in architecture, engineering, and construction.
Having walked the same path, these ambassadors now share their industry experience to inspire the next generation.
Teachers can access real-world insights, guest talks, and mentoring from ambassadors who bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. Whether it’s explaining technical concepts or offering career advice, they bring industry expertise directly to students.
By connecting with a DEC Ambassador, teachers can enrich learning and introduce students to relatable role models.
Book a DEC DISCOVERY CALL
Chat about learning, teaching and supporting DEC with one of our team
Are you from industry?
Visit the COYO website and learn how you can recruit exceptional DEC talent, improve your organisation’s diversity and surpass your ESG commitments!
