Summary
This case study explores how Octavius Infrastructure teamed up with BAM Construction Training to host its most successful Young Person Network event to date.
Key Achievements:
- Record-breaking attendance
- Unanimously positive feedback
- Invaluable learning experiences
Use this as a guide to how Corporate Away Days could benefit your team.
About
Octavius Infrastructure
Octavius is a leading transport solutions provider, shaping the future of UK transport through Rail and Highways. From rail electrification with Navitas Engineering to local infrastructure improvements by their Regional Civil Engineering (RCE) team, Octavius delivers projects that connect people and communities.
Young Persons Network (YPN)
The Young Persons Network is a subgroup of the Octavius Inclusion Network, designed to:
• Support personal and professional development
• Create a strong community among early-career employees
• Foster collaboration across the business
Through a combination of social events and professional activities, the network enables young professionals to expand their skill set, share ideas, and foster professional relationships. Initiatives like YPN Representatives also provide opportunities for young talent to grow into future leaders.
The Challenge
Octavius identified that graduate employees lacked confidence around plant machinery due to a lack of awareness surrounding safety procedures.
They wanted to change this by creating an engaging and hands-on learning experience that would increase both knowledge and confidence.
The Solution
BAM Construction Training stepped in with a tailored Corporate Away Day. This provided graduates with practical exposure to operating excavators and forward tipping dumpers, under the supervision of experienced instructors.
To keep the day running smoothly, detailed planning took place:
• Organising groups across two half-day sessions
• Managing the rotation of groups across activities
• Ensuring the health and safety of all participants
Each event rotated three groups across three activities:
• Team-building exercises led by Octavius
• Collaborative dumper and excavator operating
• Independent Mini digger operating
This provided the chance for participants to get familiar with safety procedures and the fundamentals of plant machinery operation. It also encouraged graduates to form connections with other young professionals in the business.
Results
Safety Awareness
Before the event, most participants had never operated heavy machinery. These activities provided their first taste of operating earth-moving machinery, including: forward tipping dumpers, thirteen-tonne excavators, and mini diggers.
Having had this unique opportunity, participants were able to gain awareness of the safety procedures involved in plant operation. As a result of this, participants were able to gain confidence working in and around plant machinery.
Networking Opportunities
Alongside the practical activities, Octavius facilitated networking through icebreakers and team-building exercises. These encouraged collaboration, helped participants build new relationships, and provided a break from other activities.
Promotional Content
Not only was the event memorable for participants, but it also created fantastic marketing content for Octavius. BAM Construction Training took to the skies with a drone to capture photos and videos of the day. This was shared with Octavius as part of their event package.
Feedback
The event was a huge success—but don’t just take our word for it.
“The BAM Construction Training Ltd trainers were brilliant, adapting their usual training to suit a more inclusive and fun afternoon – while still maintaining a safety-focused and experience driving session which really benefited the group.”
“Feedback was unanimously positive and there’s already excitement building for the next one.”
Conclusion
Corporate Away Days are the ideal day out for construction offices, allowing participants a taste of life within the industry. They’re also a fantastic way to build your team’s personal and professional skills.
Ready to take your team to the next level?
Get in touch: 01189 790 030.
