To mark National Construction Week (October 5 - 12), school pupils from across the North West visited the University of Salford to play a new interactive computer game that teaches school children about designing and constructing buildings.

Pupils aged 12-14 from schools in Bolton, Stockport, Altrincham and Worsley tried their hand at nD Game, a software package designed by the University that enables pupils to build their very own virtual school.  Featuring different characters, the new initiative takes inspiration from a genre of interactive games which includes Sim City.

The players are tasked with constructing the virtual school by considering design issues such as accessibility, security and budgeting.  The object is to complete all five levels by successfully designing and building the school on time and to budget.

As Professor Ghassan Aouad of the University's School of Construction & Property Management explained, the initiative is also designed to encourage young people to consider careers in the construction industry.  She said: "We want to change pupils' perceptions of construction during National Construction Week.

"The rates of young people entering the industry are decreasing and there's a misconception among school leavers that construction is both dirty and unprofessional.  But this is simply not the case and nD Game demonstrates that the building process is about good design, citizenship and history.  It's a fun and interactive way of teaching kids about good construction and hopefully inspiring a professional interest that will last until they leave school."