From London developments to future careers: DEC summer school workshops with Immerse Education
In summer 2026, Class Of Your Own (COYO) partnered with Immerse Education to give 21 international students aged 13–17 an immersive introduction to engineering and the built environment.
Across two workshops in July and August, students stepped beyond the classroom to experience the people, projects and challenges shaping the built environment in the UK – demonstrating how COYO can work with summer school providers to create engaging, industry-connected learning experiences.
London as the classroom
A highlight of the programme was a visit hosted by Ballymore at Royal Wharf and the Riverscape Gallery. Students explored how a major London neighbourhood has been developed and discovered the challenges of sustainable urban design on the banks of the River Thames.
The experience prompted students to compare London’s development with cities in their own countries, bringing an international perspective to discussions around sustainability, engineering and urban design.
“Their curiosity, thoughtful questions and comparisons with cities in their own countries made for a fascinating discussion and a reminder of how valuable fresh perspectives can be.”
Jennifer Ball
Communications & Engagement Consultant Ballymore Group
From site visit to building services engineer
COYO’s Vicki Irving then challenged students to put their new knowledge into practice through an interactive workshop exploring how buildings work.
Taking on the role of building services engineers, students developed their own building strategies, considering sustainable solutions before presenting and explaining their ideas.
The transformation was striking.
Students who began the day knowing little or nothing about building services engineering finished it confidently discussing their solutions using the language and principles of the profession.
For many, it was an introduction to a career they may never previously have considered.
Connecting summer learning with industry
The wider programme also provided opportunities for students to engage with leading built environment organisations, including experiences involving Mace and Mott MacDonald.
“Our Engineering students loved the days they had with DEC. From exploring sustainable building services, attending a site visit with MACE, and completing a workshop with Mott MacDonald, students asked insightful questions and applied their experience to the rest of their learning on the day and into the rest of their programme.”
Caitlyn Cornes
Programme Manager, Immerse Education
A different kind of summer school experience
For international students spending their summer in the UK, DEC workshops provide an opportunity to experience much more than traditional classroom learning.
Class Of Your Own can work with summer schools to create bespoke, project-based experiences that combine real UK developments, employer engagement and hands-on design challenges.
Students leave with greater confidence, new skills and a better understanding of the breadth of opportunities across architecture, engineering and construction – while summer school providers can offer an authentic learning experience that connects STEM education with the real world.
One day. A real project. Industry experts. And potentially, the discovery of a future career.
Host a workshop at your school
Eco Classroom Workshops can be delivered at any school within the UK
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!
