Sewell AR Wall - Building Futures: When Creativity Meets Construction

When you think of construction, what comes to mind? For most of us, its bricks, cranes, and steel frames. But in East Hull, something far more exciting is taking shape - a future where digital tools, creativity, and opportunity come together to inspire the next generation. That’s exactly what Sewell   Group’s brand-new Digital Construction Academy is all about.

A Fresh Gateway into Construction

The Digital Construction Academy, at the Sewell Group HQ on Geneva Way in Hull, is a bright, modern space designed to get young people excited about careers in construction. 

At the Academy, it’s all about combining tools of the trade with tools of the future, where hands-on skills meet digital creativity. There are workshops, taster sessions, and design masterclasses. Students get the chance to learn practical skills, and also to step into the world of digital design, 3D modelling, and even augmented reality (AR). 

It’s a perfect mix of old and new; the traditional skills that keep our buildings standing, paired with the creative technology that will shape the future. By combining real-life experiences with interactive tech, the Academy shows that construction is a place for problem-solvers, designers, and dreamers - people who want to make their mark on the world around them.

The Augmented Reality Careers Wall: Bringing Construction Careers to Life!

Working in partnership with Sewell, HelloU Creative created a unique interactive Augmented Reality careers wall that highlights roles within the construction industry. Covering the full construction journey of Plan, Design, Build, real-world real professionals shared their stories, giving young people a powerful way to explore careers. The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) audience were the first to view the AR wall - and they were excited by the possibilities this technology brings. By blending AI and human touch, and combining traditional and digital communications, the wall shows how we can inspire young people to connect with careers in a whole new way.

“Our Digital Construction Academy is all about showcasing the different roles construction can offer young people and inspiring them to consider their career path. With the shortage of people coming into the industry, we wanted to create something digital to engage students, so it was great to work with Helen to bring the roles to life.”

Mark Boothby, Joint MD at Sewell Construction

Instead of picking up a leaflet, students point their phone at a poster and see characters come to life on the page - a project manager explains how to run a school build, a digital modeller demonstrates how structures are tested virtually, and an architect shows how sketches on paper transform into the spaces we live and work in. Careers were suddenly brought to life, with young people able to see how roles connect across the Plan, Design, Build pathway. Because the stories came directly from real people, students found it easier to understand the roles. And since the experience felt interactive, fun, and familiar - much like the apps and games they already use - engagement was natural and memorable.

For many, this was the first time career guidance and advice felt like an experience rather than something to just read about, making choices clearer, more meaningful, and truly inspiring.

Creativity at the Core

For me, the connection with creativity is what makes this Digital Academy so exciting. Just like starting a painting with a blank canvas, construction professionals now begin with digital models that can be shaped, tested, and brought to life. AR gives students the chance to play, experiment with layouts, and even test out sustainable choices in real time. It doesn’t take away from traditional skills - it builds on them. Bricks, wiring, and site management are still important, but they’re now part of a much bigger creative process. Construction has become a space where art, design, and technology meet.

Why It Matters

The Digital Construction Academy isn’t just a training space. It’s a promise to young people - that their ideas, their skills, and their creativity are valued, and that there are exciting futures waiting for them here in our region. For Beverley, Hull, and the East Riding, it means keeping local talent local, while giving young people the confidence to aim high. It shows young people that innovation isn’t happening somewhere else -it’s happening right here, on our doorstep.

Looking to the Future

The construction industry of tomorrow will look very different to the one we grew up with. With digital design, AR, drones, and sustainability all part of the mix, it’s becoming one of the most creative industries out there. Through Sewell’s Digital Construction Academy, young people can experience this future today. They can imagine, experiment, and step into roles that will shape our towns, cities and communities for years to come.Because in the end, construction isn’t just about buildings it’s about building futures. And when you mix creativity with technology, those futures look brighter than ever.

"They are bloody amazing and I cannot wait to bring our amazing students from Healing Academy HLT Harbour Learning Trust to the Digital Construction Academy." Steve Hoey

"WOW I love this! What a great way to showcase the different roles. Well done to all involved" Harriet McMean