Project Aspiring is an initiative devised by recruitment manager Matt Pontin to engage Year 12 and 13 students with the construction industry. The project is run in conjunction with Howick College and the University of Auckland.
In 2005 a team of students created six outdoor benches for the University of Auckland's School of Engineering.

"The idea was to empower the students to run the project as if it was real life. So they had responsibility for the full delivery from their initial client visit."

The project lasted three months and was completed in November. Each bench has a plaque recognising the achievement of the students who built it.
During the project students liaised with a university representative about requirements, took a site surveyor to the area, completed concept designs and worked with engineers to ascertain feasibility and constructability.

"They were given engineering and surveying mentoring right from the start."

A senior Fulton Hogan estimator, who has worked on multi-million dollar construction projects, also worked with the students.
Fulton Hogan purchased the materials and students crafted tables at the school.

"The students worked in their free periods and own time, not to affect the curriculum, so they just got stuck in, worked extremely safely and displayed superb team dynamics. They had an organisation structure including project manager, costing and design manager. It was run like a proper business."

Six well-crafted tables now hold pride of place in the engineering school’s courtyard, and the five students have developed a good knowledge of the engineering industry.
Four of the students involved in the project have received scholarships to further their engineering careers. Two will study for engineering degrees, another will complete a diploma, and one will study business.

Fulton Hogan’s relationship with Howick College began about two years ago through the school’s pathways to employment expo and will continue through further projects in the coming year.